This year’s theme for NAIDOC, which celebrates Indigenous people, their culture and achievements, is ‘Because of her, we can!’ and aims to bring women’s often unsung roles to the forefront.

Djirringjanj woman Cathy Thomas, from Wallaga Lake, was awarded a prestigious national Red Cross Creative Culture award for her contribution to Indigenous culture on the Far South Coast.

Ms Thomas has been recognised for her passion in keeping Indigenous languages alive for future generations and helping young people connect with their culture for more than a decade.

She has shared her knowledge of local language through a partnership between the Red Cross and the Little Yuin Preschool in Wallaga Lake.

She has also worked closely with local high schools to deliver Sista Speak to young Aboriginal girls, helping many rediscover their cultural roots and restore pride.

Services including Katungul and the Eurobodalla Koori Employment Network (EKEN) kicked off the week with community-driven events.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at Eurobodalla Shire Council on Monday, with family activities and a Koori cook-off keeping families entertained on Tuesday in Moruya.

An Elders NAIDOC Lunch was held at the Moruya RSL Hall on Friday,, where locals of all generations came together to celebrate Indigenous culture.

Katungul spokesperson, Joanne Grant, said it was important to take the time to celebrate culture and the achievements of Aboriginal people throughout Australia.

“NAIDOC is really meaningful to the community because it’s our platform to show the richness of our culture,” she said.

“It’s also a platform to talk about some of the positives that happen in the Aboriginal community. 

“Often what you hear in the media is all negative, when we do make a valuable contribution to our communities.”