This year's NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders.
Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.
They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.
How will you celebrate our Elders this year? You are welcome to come along to one of our Diocesan events.
For Our Elders - NAIDOC Week Prayer Service - Sunday 2 July
You are invited to join us for our 2023 NAIDOC Week Prayer Service from 1pm at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. The service will include an official Welcome to Country with Aunty Sandra Griffin, Awabakal Country. Join with local Elders, including Canon Aunty Di Langham who will lead us through a special reflection. This service is held in collaboration with local Aboriginal and faith communities. A special water ceremony will take place and guests are asked to bring a small container of water from Country along with them. Refreshments and light meal will be served.
NAIDOC Week - March and Community Festival - Monday 3 July - 9am - 3pm
As part of our continued Reconciliation Action Plan journey, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and CatholicCare Social Services have chosen to sponsor a tent at a community event hosted by Awabakal Ltd. We encourage all staff, volunteers and parishioners to attend and/or volunteer their time at the NAIDOC Week Community March and Festival.
The event starts at 9am in Civic Park, Newcastle with a flag-raising before marching in a procession to Foreshore Park where the Festival takes place from 10am-3pm. There will be lots of entertainment and community services, so it is a great educational event for young and old. Enquiries can be sent to Kate E: kate.crncevic@mn.catholic.org.au or P: 02 4979 1329
An evening with Noel Pearson – Sunday 16 July
From 5pm to 8pm on Sunday 16 July Noel Pearson will host an event at The Factory Threat at St Pius X High School. Listen to Noel’s connection to Aboriginal Spirituality, his work on the Uluru Statement from the Heart and The Voice to Parliament. Concluding with a Q&A panel session that will include Noel, Aunty Louise Campbell (Catholic Schools Office) and Aunty Dianne Langham (Anglican Diocese). Register here: https://NP2023.eventbrite.com.au
Common Grace, Listen to the Heart, Training Workshop – Tuesday 18 July
On Tuesday 18 July from 10am until 12.30pm, Common Grace will host a training workshop in the Victor Peters Suite. The event will explore the importance of the Voice to Parliament Referendum. It will spark conversations so you can make an informed decision when voting later in the year. Optional creative element following the session. Register here: https://listentotheheart.eventbrite.com.au
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