Cherbourg residents are gearing up for a big week of celebrations during NAIDOC Week (July 7-14).
Highlights include an Open Day at the Ration Shed, the presentation of the Cherbourg MoJo Awards for participants in Nurunderi TAFE’s recent “mobile journalist” training program, and the official opening of the Yurri Muntha cafe.
The MoJo Awards ceremony will recognise both the achievements of students in the Cherbourg MoJo program and the community support that has made the program possible.
Awards will be presented in the categories of Inspiration, Imagination and Participation.
The event will also include screenings of the winning MoJo videos and a performance by the Junior Wakka Wakka dancers.
Tuesday is going to be a busy day for the junior dancers, as they will also be performing at the official opening of the Yurri Mutha cafe later in the day.
Yurri Muntha provides a cafe and catering service for Cherbourg residents and visitors, employs residents and people from the wider community. and provides on-the-job training in hospitality and retail to employees.
However, by far the biggest event of the week will be the Open Day Celebration held at The Ration Shed on Thursday.
There’ll be a free barbecue, art activities, musical playground and screenings of films.
The winners of the Council awards will be announced, as will the winners of the recent NAIDOC Art competition.
Muddy Flats will be providing live music, and there will also be a corroboree and Island dancing.
Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss urged everyone to support the community events being held as part of NAIDOC Week.
Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group and the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council each received funding under the Federal Government’s NAIDOC Public Awareness Program for activities that promote understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“The Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group will receive $5500 to support the NAIDOC open day. Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $3000 for the official opening of the Yurri Muntha Café and presentation of community awards,” Mr Truss said.
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Program Of NAIDOC Events
Monday, July 8:
- Community Health Expo, 10:00am-2:00pm at the Cherbourg Community Hall
Tuesday, July 9:
- Barambah Medical Centre Open Day, 10:00am–1:30pm at the Barambah Medical Centre, Bligh Street
- MoJo Launch & Awards, 11:15am–12:30pm at Nurunderi TAFE, Collins Street
- Yurri Muntha Cafe Official Opening, 1:30pm–4:00pm at the cafe, Barambah Avenue
Wednesday, July 10:
- Screening of Dormitory Boys film, 10:00am-12:30pm at The Ration Shed (by invitation only)
Thursday, July 11:
- NAIDOC Community Day celebration, 10:30am onwards at The Ration Shed and park
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What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia every July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is an opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.
More information about the history of NAIDOC Week can be found online.
[Adapted from the NAIDOC website]
