Curtin University is gearing up for the annual NAIDOC Week celebrations (4 -11 July 2010), with a number of events held across campus.
This year’s theme, Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way, celebrates the many unsung Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s who have made huge contributions to Australian society.
There will be a number of events over the week including an official flag raising ceremony and address by MLA Ben Wyatt, an informal lunch and a seminar at the National Drug Research Institute on the University’s Shenton Park campus, a community event in the foyer of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) with special guest speaker Narelda Jacobs and a celebratory film and story event at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Curtin has been celebrating NAIDOC week since the establishment of CAS in 1983. Over the years the University has expanded its celebrations by partnering with external agencies. This year will be no different, with Centrelink, Hearing Australia, Child Support Agency, CRS and Medicare taking part.
CAS Associate Professor Anita Lee Hong says this year’s NAIDOC Week celebration is special as it acknowledges the hard work by many “unseen” heroes.
‘There are many, many indigenous people who are making a difference to many lives in our community who do not receive or expect recognition for their contribution. It is these people who will be the focus of the nation’s NAIDOC celebrations this year.’
‘It is our way of saying ‘”thanks” for their efforts during a week of celebration that is the most important on the indigenous calendar.’
