Celebration of culture, history: Week of events off to flying start

Here’s what the Toowoomba region can expect to see as part of week-long celebration of culture and history NAIDOC Week.

Colouring in at the USQ stall are (from left) Annabell Washington, Makka Stanton and Aaliyah Washington at the NAIDOC Community Day at Queens Park, Monday, July 5, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It’s been a great start to NAIDOC Week in Toowoomba with plenty of events starting over the weekend and running throughout the week.

Attendance numbers were high at the Community Day markets in Queens Park on Monday with the community turning out in full force.

NAIDOC committee member and event organiser Nikki Robson said the Community Day markets were one of the most popular initiatives of the week-long celebration.

“This is an open event that gives organisations an opportunity to present their Reconciliation Action Plans and network,” Ms Robson said.

“We have a range of different stallholders at the event this year with employment, emergency housing and disability support services as well as art workshops and land and environment care groups.”

The successful event follows the Golden Oldies Luncheon last Friday and NAIDOC Awards Dinner on Saturday night.

“The luncheon is an event for elders which is always really lovely because it’s one of the only times of the year when they are able to come together and catch up in one space,” Ms Robson said.

“This year we presented the Lifetime Award to two people – a married couple named Pam and Roger Robinson who have taken many kids into their own home over the years and are very involved in the sporting sector.”

More than 200 people attended the ceremony on Saturday night which saw awards distributed across 10 categories.

Upcoming events include trivia, bingo, barefoot bowls and the USQ Ball, among others.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of First Nations People and runs from July 4 to July 11.