05/07/2004
The Department of Family and Community Services (FaCSIA), Deputy Secretary, Stephen Hunter, today said that in light of his department taking on some key programs from ATSIC/ATSIS, this year's activities for NAIDOC Week will hold more importance than ever for FaCSIA staff.
'As part of the week's celebrations FaCSIA will host an array of Indigenous activities for staff in state and regional offices and the national office in Canberra,' Mr Hunter said.
National Office staff will be invited to the following events:
- the official opening ceremony, including a flag raising, a traditional welcome to country and guest speakers;
- Aboriginal glass art displays by Wathaurong Glass, a not for profit Aboriginal company whose proceeds are donated to the Wathaurong community;
- screenings of educational films and documentaries depicting Indigenous
- culture, including Message from Moree, Bush Mechanics and the popular Rabbit Proof Fence;
- activities to raise funds for the Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Youth Corporation in the ACT, and
- the presentation of NAIDOC Awards to FaCSIA staff, showing a commitment to raise staff awareness of FaCSIA' role in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Over 200 staff have joined FaCSIA from ATSIC/ATSIS and NAIDOC Week provides an ideal opportunity to welcome them, highlight the work we already do for Indigenous communities, celebrate Indigenous culture and reaffirm FaCSIA commitment to Indigenous initiatives.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated annually in July and this year's festivities will take place from 4-11 July. NAIDOC Week 2004, themed
Self-Determination – Our Community – Our Future – Our Responsibility, will give Australia's Indigenous people the opportunity to display the richness of their culture and heritage to the rest of the Australian community.