NAIDOC Week 2010 is to adopt the theme “Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way’ and inaugurate a new award for protecting the environment.
The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Day (NAIDOC) showcases Indigenous people’s achievements and their contributions to the nation.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said the contribution of Indigenous Australians to conservation would be the focus of this year’s celebrations, while the new Caring for Country Award would emphasise their work in preserving the nation’s unique flora and fauna.
Unsung heroes to be 2010 theme
“In communities across Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are showing the strong leadership that’s essential for real and lasting change,” Ms Macklin said.
“Not only are they making a difference in their communities, they are invaluable role models for new generations.”
Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett said the new award acknowledged the leadership role taken by a number of Indigenous people in tackling some of Australia’s biggest environmental challenges.
“This award will help recognise and celebrate some of that excellent work and the important contribution is makes to the health of our natural landscapes,” Mr Garrett said.
National NAIDOC Committee co-chairs, Anne Martin and Ben Mitchell said this year’s theme rewarded the people who made a difference to the community, often without any formal recognition.
Nominations for the 2010 National NAIDOC Poster Competition and Awards are also open, with Indigenous Australians encouraged to nominate fellow community members.
The winning design will be awarded a $5,000 prize.
The competition ends on 31 March, while nominations for the 2010 Awards close on 30 April.
NAIDOC Week begins on 4 July and winners of the National NAIDOC Awards will be announced at the Awards ceremony in Melbourne on 9 July.
Further information on the Week was available from www.naidoc.org.au
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