Brough congratulates NAIDOC for 50 years of excellence

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today congratulated all those involved with NAIDOC, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Mr Brough said the National Aborigine and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations had been an important part of the Indigenous calendar since 1957.

“Thousands of people celebrated NAIDOC Week with a range of activities such as art, sport, culture, public speaking, music and family days.

“I am very pleased at the enthusiasm and commitment shown at these local events which have received assistance of over $1 million through my Department via Indigenous Coordination Centres (ICCs).

“Indigenous Australians have embraced NAIDOC because of its role in highlighting the outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made to their communities and the greater Australian society.

“Each year, the highlight of NAIDOC Week is the National NAIDOC Awards and Ball ceremony.

“This year’s event – which celebrated the theme 50 years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak – was held last night in Darwin.

“The Australian Government was the major sponsor of the Darwin event and has been funding NAIDOC events since the 1970s.

“I’d like to congratulate those Indigenous people who received NAIDOC Awards and to those who were nominated.

“I would also like to thank the National NAIDOC Committee and local organisers for coordinating activities across Australia,” Mr Brough said.