NAIDOC Week 2008 – bigger and better than ever
4 July 2008
Statement by National NAIDOC Co-chairpersons Anne Martin and Ben Mitchell
It is with great excitement and anticipation that we herald in the beginning of NAIDOC Week (6-13 July), the annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our history, our culture and our achievements.
Last year we celebrated a major milestone – 50 years of NAIDOC. This year, we will also have an exciting and historic occasion as the backdrop for celebrations – the Prime Minister’s apology in Parliament to the Stolen Generations.
The apology was greeted with great joy and relief in Indigenous communities, and many non-Indigenous Australians were caught up in the emotion and history of the day. It is in that spirit of Reconciliation that we hope all Australians will join in the many NAIDOC activities that have been organised around the country in 2008.
This year’s NAIDOC week theme is Advance Australia Fair? The National NAIDOC Committee chose this theme to encourage Australians to reflect on the cherished principle of a “fair go” for all to consider the inequalities still experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country today.
How is it that in such a prosperous country, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizens live in conditions more comparable to struggling nations?
The theme lays down the challenge to the Australian Government to build on the apology and deliver a fair go to its Indigenous citizens – in terms of better housing, health, education and employment opportunities, but also in greater access by Indigenous Australians to land and natural resources and a justice system that is more responsive and equitable.
This challenge also involves developing a long-lasting bipartisan approach to Indigenous issues across all levels of governments. Real improvements in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cannot be achieved and sustained without bipartisan support.
Each year, NAIDOC celebrations bring pride and joy to our cities, towns and remote communities. In 2008, we have continued to receive more interest from individuals, schools, governments and other organisations than in any other year.
We must acknowledge the contribution made by various governments at all levels. Without the support of the Australian Government in particular, national and local NAIDOC Week activities hosted across Australia would not be possible.
We are looking forward to the National NAIDOC Awards in Canberra on Saturday, 12 July – we’re sure it’s going to be one the biggest and best events hosted in the capital this year. Some 1400 people will attend the ball, where the national NAIDOC award winners will be announced and Australia’s best Indigenous musicians will perform.
Congratulations to the hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who were nominated for NAIDOC awards. NAIDOC Week affords us a rare opportunity to pay tribute to the often voluntary work of Indigenous people to improve the lives of fellow community members; or pay tribute to the excellence some of our people have attained in their chosen fields.
We must acknowledge the leadership of Aden Ridgeway, who recently stepped down as National NAIDOC chairperson. Aden worked tirelessly since he was given responsibility for NAIDOC in 2005. Thanks to Aden, NAIDOC has been in safe hands. We will build on his legacy in taking NAIDOC into its second 50 years.
Happy NAIDOC Week to everyone!
For more information on NAIDOC, please visit www.naidoc.org.au
For information on NAIDOC activities in your area, contact your local Indigenous Coordination Centre on 1800 079 098 (except in Nhulunbuy – 1800 089 148; Kalgoorlie – 1800 193 357; Kununurra 1800 193 348).
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