Another year, another successful NAIDOC Family Fun Day celebration in Warrawong.
More than 1000 people dropped by the Green St Reserve on Tuesday to take part in the seventh annual event run by Barnardos South Coast.
The family fun day on July 9 was held to coincide with NAIDOC Week (July 7-14), which recognises the rich history and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
This year's theme - Voice, Treaty, Truth - acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia's democracy.
Barnardos South Coast manager Kathy Jones said this year's event was the biggest ever.
"It was a massive turnout. We had over 1000 attend, which is biggest and best yet," she said.
"IThe event helps the community connect to services like Barnardos and helps the community get connected to culture."
Services which attended included the Illawarra Legal Centre, Warrawong Fire Station, Warrawong Residents Forum and Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Cooperation.
Well-known and highly respected elders Uncle Gerald Brown and Aunty Lorraine Brown did a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Entertainment was provided by the Port Kembla Public School Choir, Aboriginal singers, dancers and didgeridoo players.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
