Join the conversation in NAIDOC Week

Recognising and valuing Wiradjuri culture will be at the forefront in Wagga Wagga during NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week events are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Nations People.

Wagga Wagga City Council will conduct a flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of NAIDOC Week at 10am on Monday 8 July at the Civic Centre. Following the official ceremony will be a morning tea at the E3 Art Space along with the winning school of the Riverina Local Land Services Reconciliation Artwork competition being announced.

Led by Uncle Greg Packer, the art competition includes high schools from Hay, Griffith, Narrandera, Temora, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Tumut and local high schools Mount Austin, Wagga Wagga and Kooringal.

The E3 Art space will also be open from 10am to 3pm from Monday 8 July to Wednesday 10 July as part of partnership between Council and SignalCreative.

Wiradjuri and First Nations community members will be able to learn how to capture life stories through different mediums, including podcasts.

Community members will also be able to make submissions on Council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan, which is currently on public exhibition.

“Reconciliation is one of the most important journeys we need to undertake for Wagga Wagga,” Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said.

“The draft Reconciliation Action Plan was developed after extensive consultation between First Nations Peoples in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, Council staff and Reconciliation Australia.

“The feedback we’ve received so far has been valuable and we are extending the public exhibition period throughout NAIDOC Week.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the draft Reconciliation Action Plan clearly demonstrates Council’s commitment towards a better and stronger future with the local Wiradjuri community and all First Nations Peoples.

“It outlines how Council will play its part in recognising Wiradjuri culture and heritage, how we will work to increase employment and business opportunities, and how we will ensure we build relationships based on respect and transparency with our community.

“Wagga Wagga City Council has joined more than a thousand dedicated corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have formally committed to reconciliation through the Reconciliation Action Plan program since its inception in 2006.”

The draft plan is on public exhibition until 10 July. View the document and make a submission online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/public.

Submissions can also be made emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au, dropped into the Civic Centre or posted to PO Box 20, addressed to the General Manager.

Community members who would like more information the draft plan can contact Council’s Social Planning team on 1300 292 442 or visit the E3 Art Space.