NAIDOC Day March kick off brightens up West Kempsey

Published on 03 July 2023

Kempsey's annual NAIDOC day street march kicked off at Kempsey library with morning tea, welcome to country, and a smoking ceremony.

Kempsey Shire Council was proud to support the event, providing morning tea and support staff to help the event run smoothly.

The smoking ceremony, conducted by Uncle John Kelly, brought some warmth to the wintry day and sent the brightly coloured mob on their way to the Services Club Park for the official flag raising ceremony.

The theme of NAIDOC week 2023 is 'For our Elders'. The theme honours and celebrates the integral role of our Elders across every generation.

The NAIDOC website explains the 2023 theme in the following way:

"They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones. They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world."

Learn more about the 2023 NAIDOC theme here.

There are many NAIDOC events to be held in the Macleay this week, including the Burrun Dalai Family Fun Day and a special NAIDOC week storytime at the library.

Go here for the full photo gallery of the morning's event.