NAIDOC Week ceremony recognises Elders

Published on 05 July 2023

The achievements and contributions of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders were celebrated at a moving NAIDOC Week ceremony at the Lake Macquarie City Council Administrative Centre this morning.

In 2023 the theme for NAIDOC week is “For our Elders”, which recognises the role that Elders play in First Nations communities and families.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the ceremony acknowledged the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders and the role they play in our community as leaders, knowledge holders, teachers, advocates, survivors, trailblazers and loved ones.

“Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families,” she said.

“We should be grateful for the wealth of cultural and historical knowledge our Elders embody not just during NAIDOC Week but every day of the year.”

NAIDOC week is celebrated nationwide each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Cr Fraser said Lake Macquarie had one of the largest Aboriginal populations in NSW.

“Council is working hard and has developed strong relationships with local First Nations people and NAIDOC Week is vitally important to celebrate the culture and educate our community,” she said.