NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people held in July each year.

The week takes its name from the committee that originally organised the week of activities – the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

Lake Macquarie City Council is encouraging the community to participate in at least one of the exciting events.

The celebrations will start with a garden tour and traditional morning tea at Belmont Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, July 3, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

On Tuesday, July 4, council will host a special flag-raising and traditional Smoking Ceremony outside the Administration Building at Speers Point from 9am.

A light morning tea will follow. To RSVP, email council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or phone 4921 0333.

Also on Tuesday, July 4, the Westlakes NAIDOC Family Fun Day will be held on the Toronto foreshore, beginning at 11am with a march from Toronto Courthouse to the foreshore.

The event will feature a barbecue, kids’ activities, and live performances from the Lake Macquarie High School Boys Didge Group and Yadha Mayi.

For more information, visit naidocwestlakes.com.

On Thursday, July 6, children can join in a free NAIDOC Week storytime with artist and illustrator Fern Martins, at Swansea Library, from 10am to 10.45am. Join the fun with stories and songs from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on the colourful Narutu-Ka-Wa story quilt.

Bookings are essential and can be made online at library.lakemac.com.au/events.

On Saturday, July 8, Centre for Hope will host a free breakfast and community walk at Lake Macquarie Fair, Mount Hutton. For more information, contact centreforhopeaustralia@gmail.com or call 4947 2182.

On Friday, July 14, the Eastlakes NAIDOC Family Fun Day will be held at Pelican Foreshore from 10am to 4pm featuring stallholders and kids’ activities.

Later that evening (Friday, July 14), Westlakes will host its popular Elders Koorioke at Club Macquarie, Argenton, from 6pm.

Council’s community planning manager, John Ferguson, said he encouraged all residents of Lake Macquarie to get involved in the NAIDOC Week celebrations.

“During NAIDOC Week we will acknowledge this year’s theme, ‘Our Languages Matter’, by celebrating the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song,” Mr Ferguson said.

“With events happening all over the city to suit all ages, I encourage everyone in our community to join in this national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.”