Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, is calling on the New England community to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history during this year’s NAIDOC Week in July.

Mr Joyce said NAIDOC Week highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and traditions and is now encouraging local organisations to apply for grants.

“NAIDOC Week serves as a unifying time to be proud of the fact that we have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures with vibrant traditions that are uniquely Australian.  This is being supported with the Coalition Government providing $1.4 million in grants,” Mr Joyce 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, share culture, and recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of Indigenous Australians.”

“This year’s theme - Always Was, Always Will Be - is an opportunity for all Australians to engage with Indigenous culture, gain a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrate the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society.”

“It is a chance to build mutual respect and for truth-telling, and the learning that comes from that. I encourage all Australians to gain a true appreciation of our past so we can all walk together on our shared path.

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

Applications close 30 March, 2020 at 8pm (AEDT).

Nominations are also still open for the National NAIDOC Awards that recognise outstanding achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Nominations can be submitted on the NAIDOC website: www.naidoc.org.au/awards/nominations 

Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 (5 – 12 July) will be posted to: www.naidoc.org.au