‘Walk as one’: Future generations at forefront of the 50th NAIDOC week

NAIDOC week is kicking off to celebrate First Nations history, resilience, culture and looking forward to a bright future. Find out what’s on this NAIDOC week in Toowoomba:

Nathan Gaulton leads the NAIDOC Week march in Toowoomba. Monday, July 4, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

This weekend marks the start of the 50th NAIDOC week and community members across the Darling Downs have organised a jampacked week dedicated to celebrating the rich history of First Nations people and the steps forward for future generations.

Toowoomba NAIDOC committee member Charlie Rowe said it is a week where everyone comes together to celebrate First Nations history and this year the theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.

“It’s really important we do celebrate the 50 years in a big way especially for our young people,” he said.

“It is recognising the next generation and keeping that legacy going from our past generations.”

Mr Rowe said he loves seeing non-indigenous people getting involved in the celebrations.

“We’re bringing people together that aren’t Indigenous and they’re coming along to support and celebrate,” he said.

“We’ve got to walk together going forward and share stories and support each other.

“We all live in this community, we should all join together and walk as one.”

What’s on in Toowoomba this NAIDOC week:

• Friday July 4

Golden Oldies Luncheon - invitation only. Contact Jean for more information: 0421 191 201

• Saturday July 5

Gala Dinner and awards at St Patrick’s Cathedral Centre. Doors open 5pm for a 6pm start. Contact Nikki at 0424 035 492 or Janet at 0413 760 926 for more information.

• Sunday July 6

NAIDOC Cent Sale at Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten. Doors open at 10am for a 11am start. Contact Kim at 0487 200 008 or Karmilla at 0417 243 132 for more information.

• Monday July 7

Mayoral Flag raising, breakfast, Q&A, and March. Starts at the Goods Shed from 8am to 10am.

NAIDOC Community Expo at the Goods Shed from 10am to 3pm.

Contact Amee at 0488 131 311 or Jean at 0421 191 201 for more information.

• Tuesday July 8

NAIDOC Trivia Night at Jack Martin Centre. Doors open at 5pm for a 6pm start. Contact Nikki at 0424 035 492 for more information.

• Wednesday July 9

Police Morning Tea and Flag Raising at 10am at Toowoomba Police Station, 161 Hume St.

Blue Light Disco at Laurel Bank Park Hall from 5pm to 8pm.

• Thursday July 10

NAIDOC community Sports Expo and Fun Day at Jack Martin Centre. Starts at 10am to 2pm. Contact Trish at 0407 593 062 for more information.

• Friday July 11

NAIDOC Bingo at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 5pm. Contact Trish at 0407 593 062 for more information.