NAIDOC is an acronym for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, in recognition of the initial committee that organised the week, which aims to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians.

NAIDOC Week for 2008 is between the 6th and 13th of July and as part of the proceeding Maroondah City Council held a ceremony celebrating the permanent flying of the Indigenous flag at Council’s civic centres.

The celebration included Indigenous elders, the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and local reconciliation groups, such as Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation and Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah. It was encouraging to see the mayor deliver an acknowledgement of country to officially recognise Indigenous Australians and and their connection to Maroondah.

While the Mayor did not deliver acknowledgement of country during Reconciliation Week, it was certainly good to see proper process being followed for NAIDOC week and this is a positive step forward in terms of Maroondah’s commitment to the Indigenous community.

The NAIDOC theme for this year is ‘Advance Australia Fair?’ and it is a pertinent reminder of the current health, education and wellbeing issues that affect Indigenous Australians. Maroondah is finalising its Reconciliation Policy for consideration at Monday night’s council meeting. This document will solidify Maroondah’s commitment to reconciliation and the steps we can take as a local government to ensure that we Advance Australia Fair.