In The Field
Murrin Bridge Preschool Association welcomes NAIDOC grant from NSW Government
Freya Lucas
Jul 04, 2023
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Murrin Bridge Preschool Association is one of the thankful grant recipients of the Aboriginal Affairs NSW NAIDOC Grants Program, which is an initiative supporting Aboriginal participation in celebratory events for NAIDOC Week across NSW.
The NSW Government provided $310,000 in financial support through the program, which attracted 206 submissions across the state in 2023, up by 77 from last year.Some of the grants issued include funding towards the popular Souths Cares NAIDOC Festival in Maroubra, flag-raising ceremonies, a Community Day at the Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, and a traditional food day hosted by Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Murrin Bridge Preschool Association in Western NSW will use its funding to plant trees for each of its Elders to signify how important they are to their community.
“Building resilience and giving ownership back to our community is of great importance. Our Elders will be remembered by the trees planted and the plaques placed near them to symbolise the three mobs and Murrin Bridge,” said Leanne Smith, Murrin Bridge Preschool Association President.
The 2023 NAIDOC Week theme reminds all Australians to value First Nations Elders and the incredible role they play, and will continue to play, to hold cultural knowledge and lead community.
Elders have played a huge role across generations of thousands of years of Indigenous culture, as knowledge holders, trail blazers, teachers and nurturers. In 2023, NAIDOC Week pays homage to this important role and those who came before who paved the way for the present and future.
“I’m thrilled that we are able to play a part in ensuring NAIDOC Week is a success for the community, given the hard work that goes into preparing for and hosting such events,” said David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty.
“I look forward to attending as many of these events as I can and meeting with community members from all over the state.”
NAIDOC Week celebrates the proud history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is embraced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities around the country. It is an opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate the resilience, rich heritage and ongoing contributions of the oldest continuous cultures on earth, Mr Harris added.
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