The 27th annual Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day is back, bringing mob and community together on Darkinjung Country to honour the strength, survival, and continuing culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Hosted by Central Coast Local Health District’s Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit, the free celebration will take place at Wyong Race Club on Tuesday, July 8, from 10am to 3pm.
Shanell Bennett, proud Gamilaroi woman and Manager of Nunyara, said the day was a powerful opportunity to come together and celebrate identity, resilience and culture in a culturally safe and community-focused environment.
“NAIDOC Community Day is about more than celebration; it’s about connection, pride, and creating space for our mob to come together, share stories and feel seen, heard and supported,” Bennett said.
“It’s also a chance for us as health workers to listen, engage, and walk alongside our community in strengthening cultural identity and improving health outcomes.
“This is a day for mob – and for our broader community – to walk together, learn together, reflect, connect and celebrate our survival as the world’s oldest living culture.
“Everyone is welcome to experience the richness of Aboriginal culture, strength and our community spirit.”
The day will feature a variety of activities and experiences that reflect the deep cultural roots and vibrant community life of the Central Coast Aboriginal community, including:
Deadly entertainment from Aboriginal singers, dancers and performers;
Kids’ area with rides, jumping castle, airbrush tattooing and more;
Youth hub with games, health info and a silent disco designed for young people;
Aboriginal designed badge making with Garry Purchase and Kylie Cassidy;
Elders’ area offering a nourishing hot lunch, games, giveaways and a place to yarn;
Free whole-family health checks and haircuts for all age groups;
More than 60 community stalls with services and more than 10 market stalls showcasing Black-owned businesses and cultural goods;
DigiVan experiences including podcasting and immersive virtual reality;
Free barbecue lunch and bush tucker tastings, honouring traditional foods.
Bennett said a major focus this year was on health and wellbeing screening for the whole family.
“Many Central Coast Local Health District staff will be attending to bring our community and health staff together and show our ongoing commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our Aboriginal people across Darkinjung Country,” she said.
“Our health screening is about looking after ourselves and our families – early detection means better health outcomes for our future generations.”
For more information about Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day, contact Nunyara on 4320 2698.
