Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has thrown his support behind NAIDOC Week 2020, announcing more than $21,000 in community grants to help organisations in the Parkes electorate celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence.
This year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, highlights Australia’s ancient history and celebrates the traditions and cultures that endure today.
“NAIDOC Week is always a special event on the community calendar – it is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life,” Mr Coulton said.
“This year’s NAIDOC Week runs from 8 to 15 November, and is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and Australia’s rich history and culture.
“I am proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners in the electorate of Parkes: Kamilaroi, Muruwari, Ngyampa, Paaantji, Mulyanguppa, Wilyakali, Tubbagah and Wiradjuri.
“I invite everyone to get involved, learn more about local Indigenous cultures, and share in the traditions that make Australia unique.
“We are privileged to have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures and through NAIDOC events we can share in this proud history and contemplate our future.”
All 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.
Further information about NAIDOC Week 2020 can be found at www.naidoc.org.au
For a full list of recipients, please see below.
| Recipient | Project | Grant |
| Bourke Bowling Club | Bourke Bowling Club – A Day Bowls | $1,000 |
| Brewarrina Shire Council | Brewarrina Shire Council NAIDOC Week 2020 activities aimed at young people and their families | $2,975 |
| Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, Broken Hill | Maari Ma Broken Hill and Wilcannia NAIDOC celebrations | $1,000 |
| Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, Broken Hill | Ivanhoe NSW community NAIDOC celebration | $400 |
| Western Plains Regional Development, Condobolin | Youth Deadly Awards | $1,000 |
| Warrumbungle Shire Council | Warrumbungle Shire Council NAIDOC Celebrations to be held across the six main towns in the Shire including Coonabarabran, Coolah, Baradine, Binnaway, Dunedoo and Mendooran | $1,500 |
| Dubbo South Public School | Dubbo South Public School, Aboriginal Education – NAIDOC Projects | $2,000 |
| Orana Heights Public School | 2020 NAIDOC – Always Was, Always Will Be | $1,000 |
| Trustees of the Roman Catholic as Trustee for St Johns Primary Dubbo | NAIDOC 2020 – ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE ABORIGINAL LAND | $1,000 |
| Gwabegar Public School | NAIDOC mural on school walls | $1,000 |
| Miyay Birray Youth Service, Moree | NAIDOC 2020 – Moree | $7,100 |
| Pilliga Local Aboriginal Land Council | NAIDOC Day – family fun day with sporting and craft activities and an award ceremony | $1,000 |
| Warren Central School | Warren Central School NAIDOC Celebrations 2020, Always Was, Always Will Be | $1,000 |
