National Aboriginal Indigenous Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week

Each July, Wyong Shire is the site of activities to mark NAIDOC Week, a way of promoting understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people and their cultures.

The theme of this year's celebrations is 'Self Determination - our Community, our Future and our Responsibility'.

From July 4 - 11 this year, Wyong Shire joined communities from Alice Springs to Adelaide, from Canberra to Cairns and from Brisbane to Broome, in marking the survival of Aboriginal people, the continuation of their culture and and the contribution that they have made to the nation.

Guest speakers, (pictured right), at Wyong Shire Council's event to mark National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (NAIDOC ) Week were Councillor Warren Welham and Veronica Graff.

One of the highlights of the week was the announcement of the Central Coast Koori Community Awards, sponsored by Wyong and Gosford councils to acknowledge the work and talent of the area's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This year 's winners were:

• Outstanding service or organisation: The Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre.
• Community Services/Humanities: Mick Pittman, Lyn Lawrie and Kylie Cassidy
• Achievement in work: Steve Collins, Denise Markham, John West and Daisy Scarfe.
• Achievement in art and culture: Phil Bligh, Wendy Pawley and Kylie Cassidy
• Sport: Chris Brown, Mandy Shaw, Coedi Towney and Zenai Beale
• Outstanding contribution to the Aboriginal community by a non-Aboriginal person or organisation: Shirley Hotchkiss.

Other nominees (Certificate Winners): Wayne Merritt; Dianne O'Brian; Kuriwa AEGG-AC; Allan Beala; Vicki Perry; Chris Moore; Jenny Hayes; Jason Pawley; Marlene Lauw; Elain Chapman.

Page last updated: 12/07/2004