NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each 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 a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

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. Find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week.

Events in Port Stephens

Raymond Terrace March and Flag Raising Mon 3rd July

8.30am - Gather at Raymond Terrace Cenotaph (cnr Port Stephens St & Jacaranda Av)

9.00am - March via Hunter, William & Sturgeon Street to Port Stephens Council

10am - Flag Raising and speeches - Port Stephens Council Forecourt (116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace

10.15am - Free morning tea

NAIDOC Storytime Tues 4 July

10.30-11.15am - Tomaree Library* - suitable for ages 2+ - cost $1.40 per child.

Nelson Bay March and Community BBQ Wed 5th July

9am - Gather Nelson Bay Bowling Club car park (cnr Dowling & Stockton Street)

9.30am - March to Apex Park via Stockton Street

10am - Laying of wreath and free BBQ at Apex Park, Nelson Bay

Family Movie afternoon- Black Screen Wed 5th July 2:30pm -3:30pm @ Raymond Terrace Library

Black Screen is a collection of short indigenous films suitable for all the family.

Ralph (G) A story about a young girl who is obsessed with Karate Kid Ralph Macchio. It takes more than just dreaming to survive, it takes a friend.

Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakgum (PG) Aunty Maggie and Uncle Pete struggle to feed their three nephews. A new found food source provides hope but things don't turn out smoothly. Aunty Maggie's quick thinking shocks the family and makes her famous.

Captain of the Team (G) The documented story of Brendan Short's attempt to bring unity to a divided Australia with the creation of a Facebook fan page calling for renewed unity and a further step toward reconciliation. His concept for a new Australia flag would gain thousands of fans.

Wadu Matyidi (G) Short animated film set in the early 1800's. Three adventurous Adnyamathanha kids set out for a day of exploration near their camp. An unexpected discovery changes their lives forever.

Wadu Matyidi - Behind the Scenes (G) The background story of the Wadu Matyidi animated film project. Fast-paces light-hearted - we learn how a diverse group of fascinating individuals conceived and developed this exceptional high-tech journey into ancient knowledge.

Port Stephens Library acknowledges the assistance of Black Screen, an initiative of the National Film and Sound Archive.

Bookings are essential. Contact Raymond Terrace Library on 4980 0111.

NAIDOC Storytime Thur 6 July- 10.30-11.15am - Raymond Terrace Library - suitable for ages 2+ - cost $1.40 per child.

Family Movie Night - Bran Nue Dae Thurs 6th July 5pm -6:30pm @ Tomaree Library

Bran Nue Dae is a 2009 Australian musical comedy-drama film directed by Rachel Perkins and written by Perkins and Reg Cribb. A feature film adaptation of the 1990 stage musical Bran Nue Dae by Jimmy Chi, the film tells the story of the coming of age of an Aboriginal Australian teenager on a road trip in the late 1960s.

Rated PG

This event is brought to you by Port Stephens Library and The National Film & Sound Archive Australia

Cost: Free. However a gold coin donation would be appreciated to cover the cost of popcorn

Booking Details: Bookings essential. Contact Tomaree Library on 4982 0670

Family Fun Day Fri 7 July- 10am-2pm - Murrook Cultural Centre, Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown