Held at the Nowra Showgrounds, the event will have market stalls, smoking ceremonies, speeches and plenty of activities for the family - with some COVID safety measures in place.

"Everyone is super excited to have this event back again, and it will be one of the biggest events on the South Coast as it always is," said member of the Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee and worker at Waminda, Sharlene Cruickshank.

"But with COVID restrictions, it will look a little bit different this year."

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Mindful that the event attracts over 6,000 people, the Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee and the auspice agency Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre gathered to plan the COVID-safe event in a meeting today.

While entry is free, registration is required to attend to track attendee numbers.

Running from July 4 to July 11, this year's NAIDOC Week theme is Healing Country.

"Healing Country is just a continuation of what we do in terms of wellbeing. Looking after Country is a huge part of that for Aboriginal people, we have to look after Country to heal ourselves as well," said Sharlene.

"When thinking about the droughts, floods and fires and how much of an impact that has on Aboriginal people and the wider community, it just shows we have to look after Country and take time to heal it and ourselves every day."

The Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee extend their thanks to the NSW Aboriginal Affairs for providing funding to implement COVID-safe measures.

The NAIDOC Family Fun Day will be held at the Nowra Showgrounds on July 7, 2021. Gates will open at 10:30am for an 11am start.

Registration for the even opens this Friday, 7 May. Follow the Shoalhaven NAIDOC Family Fun Day Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/shoalhavennaidoc2021/

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