NAIDOC week celebrations will go ahead but will look slightly different this year.
The Forbes community will be celebrating NAIDOC in November 2020, however COVID-19 protocols will be in place. On 13 November 2020, a limited number of the community will be welcomed to the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre to attend the presentation of the 2020 awards and celebrate with traditional performances, arts, craft, and activities.
This year’s theme is Always Was, Always Will Be, and it will celebrate the rich history, amazing culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Forbes community.
“We are so fortunate to be able to still celebrate this amazing event this year,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “COVID-19 has cancelled many events across the country but we feel we can manage this one safely here in Forbes. The event will go ahead, although strict restrictions will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety and the numbers will be reduced to comply with health regulations,” Phyllis said.
While schools across the Forbes Shire will not be joining in Council’s NAIDOC celebrations, they will celebrate within their own environments in their own unique ways.
“It is also important we award our outstanding citizens for all that they have achieved over the last year and encourage others to go above and beyond in the community. I really love to hear the incredible achievements of our award nominees and I encourage everyone to nominate someone who does fit the bill,” Phyllis said.
The Forbes NAIDOC Week 2020 Awards are now open for nominations in the following categories:
• Indigenous Person of the Year, 18 years and over.
• Indigenous Youth of the Year, Under 18 years.
• Indigenous Sports Person of the Year.
• Indigenous Creative Person of the Year.
• Indigenous Community Member of the Year, Volunteer.
Award nomination forms can be found on Councils website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au. Nominations close 5pm 30 October.