Celebrate NAIDOC Week with song, dance and film

It’s a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El Hayek encouraged everyone to get involved in this year’s festivities.
“This is a time of both recognition and celebration,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“It’s important for us to enrich our understanding of First Nations history and culture for the sake of our future generations.”
• Saturday, July 6, 10am-3pm: NAIDOC family day at Bankstown City Gardens – Adults and children will be treated to a smoking ceremony, cultural performances, workshops and artefacts, rides, traditional games, face painting, wildlife display, free barbecue and live performances featuring The Donovans, Kootsie Don, Koreena Leverett and traditional Torres Strait Islander Dance from Litia (Tay) Anu.
Tay, a Saibai woman, who has spent the past 10 years travelling throughout Australia and China performing and teaching native dance, welcomes all to come along and see what the celebration is all about.
• Wednesday, July 10, 10am-12pm: Film screening at Campsie Library – families will enjoy The Last Daughter (PG) followed by questions and answers with Aunty Jennifer Newman.
• Saturday, July 13, 2-5pm: Film screening at Bankstown Arts Centre – families will enjoy In My Blood It Runs (PG) followed by a Q&A session with local elders, cultural workshops and a barbecue.
• Tuesday, July 16, 11am-2pm: NAIDOC celebration at Villawood hub in Urana Street – Families are invited to enjoy a barbecue, cultural activities and workshops, jumping castle, face painting and more.
• Friday, July 19, 5-7.30pm: NAIDOC disco at First Nations Cultural Hub Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre, 7 West Terrace – Under 18s can bring their dancing shoes and join in the fun with entertainment, games and prizes to be won.
Places limited, bookings to all essential: cbcity.nsw.gov.au