Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

2012 National NAIDOC celebrations

Communities across the country are encouraged to join in this year’s National Aborigines and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations to be held later this year.

The Australian Government is supporting this year’s celebrations with more than $2.1 million funding this financial year.

The theme of this year’s NAIDOC celebrations, selected by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 years on.

The theme is about celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and acknowledging its long history.

As part of NAIDOC Week, hundreds of events will be held across the country to encourage all Australians to learn about, experience and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous people.

This year’s celebrations, to be held from 1 to 8 July, are set to be a success with the National NAIDOC Committee co-chairs Anne Martin and Benjamin Mitchell coordinating national celebrations across Australia, such as the National NAIDOC Awards.

Nominations have also opened for the National NAIDOC Awards and National NAIDOC Poster Competition.

The National NAIDOC Awards are a chance to acknowledge the contributions and talents of outstanding Indigenous people.

There are 10 award categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award nominations close on 27 April and award recipients will be honoured at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony and Ball in Hobart on 6 July.

I encourage people to nominate fellow community members for these prestigious awards.

The annual poster competition includes a $5,000 prize for the winning design which will become the 2012 National NAIDOC Poster.

The poster competition provides the opportunity of national exposure to upcoming Indigenous artists, with the National NAIDOC Poster displayed across Australia in workplaces, schools and community organisations.

Entries close on 30 March.

For entry forms and further information on NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au or visit your nearest Indigenous Coordination Centre.