THE theme for NAIDOC Week this year honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who fought for their country.
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Although NAIDOC Week doesn’t start until July 6, Shoalhaven High School held its own ceremony on Monday to recognise those who served in wars.
The school held a ceremony to unveil a plaque donated by Korean War veteran Stephen Dodd.
Mr Dodd from St Georges Basin might be best known for his acting roles in The Coca-Cola Kid, Quigley Down Under, The Matrix, Gallipoli and the TV series Homicide, Rush and The Flying Doctors.
Around his film career he spent six years in the Australian Army during the Korean War.
“I spent two years in Korea,” Mr Dodd said.
“I just joined the army, then Korea came up and I just said, ‘Yeah, I want to go’.
“I remember meeting Captain Reg Saunders in the trenches.
“Korea was unreal. There were times when it was freezing, but at least in the snow they couldn’t lose me,” he said.
NAIDOC Week in the Shoalhaven will include a wide range of exhibitions and events.
On Monday, July 7 from 9am, a remembrance march will wind its way from the Nowra Showground to Harry Sawkins Park to the official opening ceremony and flag-raising.
On Tuesday, July 8 an art exhibition at the Shoalhaven City Arts Centre will be opened at 6pm. The exhibition will be on display until Friday, July 11.
A family fun day will be held at the Nowra Showground from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, July 9.
On Thursday, a short film festival will be held at the Shoalhaven City Arts Centre.
The week’s events will conclude with a NAIDOC Ball at Bomaderry Bowling Club on Friday, July 11 from 6pm.
Tickets can be bought from the club or the Aboriginal Medical Service. Aboriginal comedian Kevin Kropinyeri will be MC.
