Community groups in Bonner can apply for new NAIDOC local grants to help showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said NAIDOC Week 2020 would be held between November 8 – 15 and there was $1.4 million available to support local communities to host events and other activities during the week.

“All Australians are excited to start planning and attending in-person and virtual events in a COVID safe way and NAIDOC Week will be an opportunity to celebrate our resilience,” Mr Vasta said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play a vital role in the story of our nation and through these grants, events will be held to celebrate our proud history and shared culture, and also recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of Indigenous Australians.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s theme was Always Was, Always Will Be.

“I look forward to our local community groups engaging with Indigenous culture, gaining a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrating the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage everyone to plan how they will get involved with NAIDOC Week and look forward to unique events and other activities to showcase the best of Indigenous Australia in a safe way.”

Information on the 2020 NAIDOC local grants round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc

Applications close 17 August 2020 and all applicants from the previous round in March will be contacted by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and provided guidance on how to re-apply.

Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 will be posted to www.naidoc.org.au

National Reconciliation Week 2020 is an invitation to all Australians to celebrate and deepen the bonds with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was an opportunity for our local community to think about what reconciliation meant to them and what practical steps they could take to build trust, mutual respect and opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

“The week commences May 27, marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and concludes with the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision on June 3 – both significant milestones in our shared history that had profound impacts on our nation,” Mr Vasta said.

“I also encourage all Australians to take part in the National Acknowledgement of Country at midday today when we join Indigenous Australians across the nation and post a video of an acknowledgement of the country you are on with the hashtags #InThisTogether2020 and #NRW2020.

“An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for our Traditional Owners.

“Our community is on Quandamooka land and residents can find out more about the land they are on, plus how to conduct an appropriate Acknowledgement of Country at the National Reconciliation website.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt AM MP said each year, National Reconciliation Week draws attention to the ongoing efforts to walk together with a shared purpose, and to build a stronger future for all Australians.

“This year’s theme, In This Together, resonates in new ways in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and reminds us we all share this land and rely on each other to build a better future,” Minister Wyatt said.

“While we are unfortunately not able to celebrate with gatherings this year due to COVID-19, there are many events happening online that people can get involved with.

“From film screenings and book recommendations to panel discussions and streamed concerts, there are opportunities for people to learn about our history, engage with Indigenous culture and reflect on what it means to be in this together.”

Visit reconciliation.org.au or indigenous.gov.au to find out more.