Dear Editor,
I write to highlight the significance of NAIDOC (National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week within our community and encourage everyone from the Shepparton District to get involved where they can.
NAIDOC week (2-9 July 2023) presents a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for this year’s NAIDOC week celebrations is “For our Elders” which was chosen in recognition of the valuable role elders have and continue to play within communities and families and in creating our nation as we know it today.
In that spirit, I’d like to pay special tribute to Aunty Faye Lynam, a beloved Elder and dear friend who passed away recently.
To launch NAIDOC Week in our region, there will be a flag raising ceremony at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative (20 Rumbalara Road) 8-10am in Mooroopna. This opportunity brings together members of the community to publicly commemorate the significance of NAIDOC Week.
I encourage you to seek out and participate in this and other local NAIDOC celebrations occurring near you.
Yours sincerely,
Kim O’Keeffe
The Nationals State Member for Shepparton District
