NAIDOC week in Kempsey has officially launched with the NAIDOC March followed by flag raising and community barbeque.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Community members marched from Belgrave Street through city streets shouting this year's theme: 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!'
For Kempsey NAIDOC committee member and one of the event organisers Jodie Barsby, the theme is about speaking up.
"I'm not a very confident person but chanting that...it really empowered me in a way," she said.
The march was then followed with a flagraising ceremony and community barbeque led by community Elders and members.
The Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised by Aunty Cheryl and her granddaughter Kyindi Pattison, Uncle Leo Wright, Uncle Bob Smith and Amelia Blair.
"It is a very jam packed week," Ms Barsby said.
"Especially after COVID-19 and everything, it's more important that everyone is reconnecting with each other again, to catch up and enjoy the week."
Elder Aunty Lynne Holten said the event was an big day for the whole community but believed celebrations shouldn't be confined to one week of the year.
"I just don't think we need permission of government officials or anybody else to be told we can celebrate our culture on just one day or one week of the year."
Celebrations are planned throughout the week in Kempsey but Aunty Holten said that the flag raising and family community day is the biggest day of the lot.
"Everybody is here because they want to be part of it, and there will be even bigger crowds at the other events through the week if the rain holds off," she said.
Kempsey Shire Council have this week's events listed on their website with a downloadable program.
Kempsey 2022 NAIDOC Week events
Monday, July 4
- Kempsey NAIDOC March- at Kempsey Pool on Belgrave Street from 10am to 11:30am
- Kempsey Flag Raising and NAIDOC Community BBQ- at Service Club Park from 11:30am to 2pm
Tuesday, July 5
- Community morning tea- at Kempsey District Hospital for official opening of the Durri Chronic Care Services from 10am to 12:30pm
- Free screening of 'Our Journey to Now' - at the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation Annecto office from 1:30pm to 4pm. Doors open at 1pm and light refreshments will be served
Wednesday, July 6
- Burrun Dalai Family Fun Day- at Service Club Park from 10am to 2pm
Thursday, July 7
- Elders Barefoot Bowls- at Kempsey Macleay Bowling Club from 11am to 3pm
Friday, July 8
- Kempsey Toyota NAIDOC Golf Day- free day of golf at Kempsey Golf Club from 8:30am to 1pm. Contact Ricky Rudder on 0437 728 710 to register
- Ready Mob Netball Sports Day- netball game for over 40s at the Kempsey Netball Courts from 8am to 3pm. Contact Taylor Kelly-Scholes on 0401 244 738 for more information.
- Kempsey Men's Lawn Bowls- free to play game at the Heights Bowling Club from 1:30pm to 4pm. Contact Stephen McLeod on 0427 398 301 to register.
- Kids Disco- at Kempsey Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) from 5pm to 8pm. Contact PCYC on 6562 8399 to book spot.
Saturday, July 9
- Kempsey NAIDOC 2022 Dinner Dance- at the Slim Dusty Centre from 6pm to 11pm. Tickets for this event have sold out.
Sunday, July 10
- Stuarts Point Community Day- at Stuarts Point Foreshore Reserve from 10am to 2pm. Hosted by Aunty Madeline Donavan
- Macleay Valley Mustangs Indigenous All Stars Round and Community Day- at Verge Street Stadium from 11am to 5pm. Admission prices reach $7. Contact Miranda Abbots on 0423 596 331 or Nicky Lockwood on 0401 695 111 for more information.
BEFORE YOU GO: Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- You can support us with a subscription
- Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Google News
Emily Walker
Reporter at Macleay Argus and Port Macquarie News.
Reporter at Macleay Argus and Port Macquarie News.
