ANNUAL OBSERVANCES
26th January
Survival Day
13th February
Anniversary of the National Apology by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008
Third Thursday of March
National Close the Gap Day raises awareness and aims to close the gap in respect to life expectancy, child mortality, education and employment outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
26th May
National Sorry Day - especially significant for those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities and cultural identity for forced assimilation.
27th May to 3rd June
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
First week in July (Sunday to Sunday)
NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islander Day Observance Committee) – to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people.
4th August
National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day focuses on issues such as poverty, education access, pride in culture and recognises their strength and ability to flourish and achieve their greatest potential.
9th August
International Day of Indigenous Peoples
First Wednesday in September
Indigenous Literacy Day
The Inaugural Indigenous Round between CMS Crows and CY Cougars at Minlaton on 7th October was another victim of covid unfortunately, with an on > off > no spectator > limited event with strict conditions! It was still a great day with a lot of excitement to be wearing the specially designed guernseys, and for the Crows, netball bibs as well.
All of the planned activities had been cancelled due to the lockdown in the period prior and then very short notice that it could go ahead in an amended format. However, they’re just on hold until next year when we hope it will be able to go ahead bigger and better. A special edition Budget was available, and A Grade Best on Ground, Josh Hoyle, from the victorious CMS Crows, was presented with the inaugural Michael Wanganeen Medal. The Ella Varcoe Medal for A Grade Best on Court went to winning CY Cougars’, Sarah Luke. Thank you to Cheylen and Tyrese Wanganeen for presenting the football medal, and Brianna Warrior for presenting the netball equivalent.
Shane Warrior spoke on behalf of NAPA after the game, thanking those who had worked so hard to make the day a success. A lot of positive feedback has been received, from both players and spectators, and other clubs wanting to take part next year. Aboriginal footballers have played a huge part in the successful history of our league, and many Nharangga players have excelled right across the country. It’s also important as a broader community to pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which all in YPFL and YPNL play.
