NAIDOC Week events across the Parkes electorate have been given a financial boost, with local organisations receiving more than $38,000 in community grants to help celebrate our rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said a total of 21 events in the Parkes electorate have received funding as part of the Coalition Government’s $1.4 million program to support NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“NAIDOC Week is a particularly special time for communities across the Parkes electorate, and these grants will help local organisations recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of the Kamilaroi, Muruwari, Ngiyampaa, Paakantyi, Mulyanguppa, Wilyakali, Tubba-Gah and Wiradjuri people,” Mr Coulton said.
“This year’s theme, Heal Country!, is about coming together, furthering reconciliation, recognising, protecting and maintaining all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage and building a stronger more resilient nation, based on mutual trust and respect.
“There’s plenty happening throughout the Parkes electorate over the next week, and I encourage everyone from all walks of life to get involved to learn more about our local Indigenous cultures and share in the traditions that make Australia unique.”
All of the events funded as part of the NAIDOC local grants program are required to have COVID-19 plans in place. It is important that anyone attending an event observes these plans and local restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe.
For more information about NAIDOC Week or to find an event near you, visit naidoc.org.au.
Successful 2021 recipients in the Parkes electorate:
| Recipient | Project | Grant |
| Miyay Birray Youth Service Incorporated, Moree | Miyay Birray NAIDOC Week 2021 activity | $10,000 |
| Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council, Gunnedah | NAIDOC Week 2021 to heal country, heal relationships, heal gaps in the community | $1,000 |
| Warialda High School | Heal country, heal the community by empowering young people to protect country, encouraging Indigenous Australian cultural expression, participation in Australian society, and equal respect for Indigenous Australians and their cultures | $1,000 |
| Pilliga Local Aboriginal Land Council | Pilliga Local Aboriginal Land Council community family fun day/week for Indigenous culture | $3,000 |
| Toomelah Public School | Toomelah Public School NAIDOC Week 2021 | $1,000 |
| Coonamble Local Aboriginal Land Council | Coonamble NAIDOC Week 2021 | $1,000 |
| Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, Broken Hill | Maari Ma NAIDOC celebrations at Broken Hill and Wilcannia | $1,800 |
| Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (South Eastern section), Broken Hill | NAIDOC Week 2021 Elders’ gathering | $3,000 |
| Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre | NAIDOC Day Heal Country 2021 | $1,000 |
| The Roman Catholic Church as Trustee for St Laurence’s Primary School Dubbo | Heal Country | $1,000 |
| Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Land Council | Coonabarabran LALC NAIDOC Family Fun Week | $2,000 |
| The Roman Catholic Church as Trustee for St Pius X School Dubbo | NAIDOC Week celebrations and Bush Tucker Garden | $600 |
| St Lawrence’s Central School, Coonabarabran | NAIDOC Week celebrations 2021 | $500 |
| The Roman Catholic Church as Trustee for St Michael’s School Dunedoo | School excursion to Gilgandra to celebrate NAIDOC Week with St Joseph’s students, staff and community | $600 |
| Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service | Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service NAIDOC celebration | $1,000 |
| Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service | Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service NAIDOC celebration | $2,000 |
| Broken Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council | 2021 Broken Hill NAIDOC Week activities and NAIDOC family fun day | $3,000 |
| Warren Central School | Warren Central School NAIDOC celebrations for 2021 to participate in activities to show how country is in every aspect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture | $1,000 |
| St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Narromine | NAIDOC Week 2021 | $200 |
| Coonabarabran High School | NAIDOC celebrations 2021 | $3,200 |
| Condobolin High School | 2021 NAIDOC Day celebrations | $800 |
