NAIDOC Week

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:04): My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the Attorney-General inform the council about this year's NAIDOC Week events held in Whyalla?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:04): I will be most happy to do so. I think I have informed the chamber previously about some of the NAIDOC Week events that were in Port Augusta this NAIDOC year and, after celebrating during NAIDOC Week in Port Augusta, I had the very distinct pleasure to then travel to Whyalla the following day to continue the celebrations of NAIDOC and of our dynamic and thriving Aboriginal culture in this state in Whyalla.

Much like Port Augusta and its surrounding townships, the community of Whyalla put on fantastic NAIDOC Week events during the week, including a wine, cheese and arts night, which I wasn't able to get to but I heard was a huge hit with the locals and will be sure to return next year. The day that I was able to attend NAIDOC in Whyalla started celebrations with the raising of the Aboriginal flag ceremony at the Plaza Youth Centre where many locals joined in, both as individuals and those who work for key community groups promoting the rights of Aboriginals in the community in Whyalla and beyond.

The community march then took place from the raising the flag, with lots of Aboriginal flags and signs being proudly waved as part of a big group walking through the streets of Whyalla. Competing with the striking design of the Port Augusta NAIDOC T-shirts and hoodies, many in the march were donning equally as effective Whyalla designs for NAIDOC this week.

The walk concluded at Norton Park where there were dozens of stalls set up for the public to interact with, including Uniting Communities, the Legal Services Commission, Foodbank, Umeewarra Media and a food tent providing tea and coffee, merchandise and a fire pit to cook bush tucker, including kangaroo tail and goat curry. A large bunch of locals banded together to organise this community event and ensure that the Aboriginal community of Whyalla is supported, recognised and celebrated during NAIDOC Week but also every day of the year.

Special thanks to all involved, including the Mayor of Whyalla, the deputy mayor, councillors and community members. I look forward to returning to Whyalla for NAIDOC Week festivities in future years.