Tamworth Hospital celebrates NAIDOC Week

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people will come together to raise the Aboriginal Flag at the Tamworth Hospital next week kicking off Tamworth’s National Aboriginal and Islander Week celebrations (8-15 July).

This year’s theme “50 years Looking Forward, Looking Blak” commemorates the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee), formed in 1957 to focus community attention on the nation’s Aboriginal people. 

The theme encourages us to look forward to where we want to be as Indigenous Australians in 50 years time and a concerted effort by all Australians to improve life opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

The ceremony will be followed by a cutting of the cake and morning tea for all community members and Hunter New England Health staff.  Other activities on the day include a performance by the children from Birralee Macs Preschool and Indigenous films in the University Department of Rural Health.

Aboriginal Liaison Officer Lisa Binge said this year marks the 15th anniversary since the first flag raising ceremony on the hospital grounds.

“The health service has again shown its commitment to the local Aboriginal community and improving health outcomes by supporting this event,” Ms Binge said.

“NAIDOC Week is an important week for Aboriginal people to celebrate our culture, our families and our Aboriginality.  It is a time for remembering the origins of our fight for Aboriginal rights, our achievements and heading towards healthy futures for our people.”

The flag raising ceremony and morning tea will be held at 10.50am on Monday 9 July 2007 at the hospital grounds in front of the Emergency Department.

All interested community members are invited to attend.

For more information on the event contact: Lisa Binge (02) 6767 7066 or 0424 352 043.

Contact: Clare Siddins

Phone: (02) 6767 7137