The theme of this year’s celebrations in We All Stand On Sacred Ground – Learn, Respect and Celebrate.

Local elders Aunty Ruth Simms and Uncle Neville Bloxsome officially cut the ceremonial cake to launch the week of activities and joined Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash in raising the Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal and Australian flags.

In a stirring Welcome to Country, Aunty Ruth Simms reflected on “what a country we live in”.

“We should all be proud of Australia and the sacred land on which we live,” she said.

“All Australians should be proud. This is a week to unite and to all stop and reflect how important we all are as Australians and Australia is as a country.”

Cr Gash paid credit to the unique role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have played and still play in Australia’s history and has made amendments in council’s official Welcome to Country to further acknowledge that contribution.

“This is a very special occasion to celebrate NAIDOC Week,” she said.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the history and cultural achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and as a country we should celebrate that culture all year round.

“It is also a chance to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.”

Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Margaret Simoes spoke of the success of the In Memory Exhibition at the Shoalhaven City Arts Centre last year, which told the story of many of the local servicemen and women.

“There was nothing to recognise the service of local Aboriginal men and woman and through our research we have discovered local links from the Boer War through to the present day,” she said.

“Being able to tell their stories and acknowledge their service was special.

“We have gained funding to continue our research into our World War I veterans and what they did before they served and afterwards. This will give us a greater understanding of what they went through and broaden the understanding of Aboriginal servicemen and women in the Shoalhaven.”

In a week of activities with a number of events throughout the Shoalhaven, a regional celebration will be staged at the Nowra Showground on Wednesday, while Shoalhaven City will also host the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards and dinner at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on July 18.