NAIDOC Week 2008 Theme Announced
5 February 2008
Statement by Aden Ridgeway, Chairperson, National NAIDOC Committee
To mark NAIDOC Week celebrations this year the National NAIDOC Committee has selected the theme: Advance Australia Fair?
The aim of the theme this year is to encourage people to reflect on the Australian principle of a “Fair go” and for them to consider the inequalities still experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country today.
Our nation continues to thrive and is now recognised as one of the most prosperous countries in the developed world. However we cannot overlook those in our society who are disadvantaged and whose living conditions are more comparable to struggling nations.
The theme also lays down the challenge to the new Labor Government to deliver real change and improvements in the lives of Aboriginal people. It is encouraging to see that the Rudd Government will move to give an apology to the Stolen Generations and has set this as a priority. I hope this is one step with many more to follow in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to bring about sustainable change.
I would like to encourage people to nominate their local role models for the National NAIDOC Awards. Recognition is given to high profile people in many avenues and many of us probably look to the usual suspects when we think of leadership and those who inspire us. I would like consideration to be given to local people who work tirelessly in their communities to make a difference. Please take the time to acknowledge them by completing a nomination form. For many just being nominated is recognition enough.
It is also that time again for artists to get working on their poster competition entry. The prize money for the selected artwork is $5,000.00 and national exposure by the reproduction of the artwork brings the prestige of being placed in NAIDOC history that goes back to 1972.
NAIDOC Week will be celebrated 6-13 July with the National Awards Ceremony in Canberra on the 12 July.
For entry forms please visit your nearest Indigenous Coordination Centre or pick up the next edition of the Koori Mail.
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