THE essential contributions of Indigenous Australians will be front and centre this week to celebrate National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).
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Celebrations begin this morning at 10am with the raising of the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Flags at the Town Green Cenotaph.
Later today the Glasshouse will host classes in learning how to draw animals using oil pastels, and the next day there will be instruction in the history of and making of rain sticks.
On Wednesday there will be print making for wall hangings, with the week wrapping up with dream catcher classes on Friday.
All the classes are designed to show people how to tell their own story.
Elder Uncle Bill O’Brien has been involved in NAIDOC celebrations for many years, and coordinates the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council’s youth group.
Working on youth unemployment has been one of his “main barrows to push”, and he stressed the importance of giving children a “really good” education that includes mentoring.
He said this year he is excited about the range of activities involving young people.
“Every year I look forward to everyone getting brought together for the simple reason that reconciliation is such a big thing,” he said.
“It is important for us that everyone is together and that they enjoy the week.”
Everyone is invited to the Hastings Family Fun Day at Westport Park from 10am on Thursday, where there will interactive cultural activities, free food and information on service providers.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Aboriginal liaison officer Kelly O’Brien wants the celebrations to be a reminder to people “that we can all connect as a community”.
“We can recognise the tireless work that our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do, especially with the theme being ‘We all Stand on Sacred Ground’.
“It’s important we share our stories and get our culture out there.”
This week’s celebration holds special meaning as it is the 30th anniversary of the handing back of Uluru.
Momentum towards a referendum on Indigenous issues has been gaining, due in part to the national ‘Recognise’ campaign.
Both sides of politics, including leaders Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten, will meet in Sydney with 40 Indigenous representatives today.
It is expected they will discuss the possibilities of constitutional change to recognise Australia’s first people.
