Five New England electorate organisations have been provided with funding to help celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and Australia’s rich history and culture.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the funding is part of the Federal Government’s $1.4 million program to support local organisations celebrating NAIDOC week through to Sunday (11 July).

Mr Joyce said the Tamworth Aboriginal Land Council will receive $7,000 towards NAIDOC Heal Country! events while Inverell’s Armajun Health Service Aboriginal Corporation has been allocated $3,000 to help mark NAIDOC week in Inverell and Tingha.

“Scone Public School receives $2,200 for official NAIDOC celebrations including an official assembly, flag raising, bush tucker tasting, didgeridoo presentation and dancing.

“Walhallow Public School receives $2,000 towards an Acknowledgement of Country Walhallow Community Video while $1,500 will go to St Joseph’s Primary School, Merriwa for NAIDOC week celebrations.

Mr Joyce said, “NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, explained that each year, the NAIDOC Week theme draws our attention to an important issue for everyone to consider.

“This year’s theme, Heal Country!, is a call to action to protect and preserve land, water, culture and more - for the benefit of all Australians.”

For further information on NAIDOC Week 2021, visit www.naidoc.org.au

All of the events funded as part of the NAIDOC local grants program are required to have COVID-19 plans in place. It is important that anyone attending an event observes these plans and local restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe.