The immensely popular NAIDOC Family Fun Day returned to Warrawong on Tuesday.
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Barnardos South Coast hosted the event at the Greene St Reserve for a sixth straight year,
The family fun day on July 10 was held to coincide with NAIDOC Week (July 8-15), which recognises the rich history and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Barnardos South Coast Aboriginal family worker Jessica Rees said this year’s event was the biggest ever.
“We’ve had between 600 to 800 come through today. And, for the first time ever we have had to close off part of Greene St. It’s a good thing that we did because we’ve had a huge turnout today,” she said.
“Not only have more community attended, we have had heaps more services involved this year.”
Miss Rees said the NAIDOC Family Fun Day was super important for Barnardos.
“It helps the community connect to services like Barnardos and helps the community get connected to culture,” she said.
“It helps bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non Aboriginal people together to teach them about our culture and history.”
This year’s theme – Because of Her, We Can – honours the important role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – in our society.
“We recognise their achievements, their voices and their unwavering passion which has empowered past generations and paved the way for generations to come,” Miss Rees said.
Services which attended included the Illawarra Legal Centre, Warrawong Fire Station, Warrawong Residents Forum and Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Cooperation. Well-known and highly respected elder Uncle Gerald did a Welcome to Country.
Entertainment was provided by the Port Kembla Public School Choir, Aboriginal singers, dancers and didgeridoo players.