DENMAN Public School (DPS) kicked off NAIDOC Day 2019 in style this week.
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A large crowd of community members and special guests, including Hunter Valley Police District Commander Superintendent Chad Gillies, joined the educational facility on Thursday to acknowledge the important date.
"Students and staff participate each year in a full day of celebration as part of their commitment to supporting Aboriginal learning and culture," DPS principal Megan Druitt said.
"The 2019 theme, Voice. Treaty. Truth, was recognised in the opening assembly by both Aboriginal pupils and Uncle Charlie, who delivered a NAIDOC Day address and Welcome to Country.
"Then the school's Aboriginal dance group, led by Jacob Ellis, performed a number of items in traditional nargans and ochre.
"The youngsters are also participating in a range of rotating activities throughout the day including Dreamtime stories, art and boomerang throwing.
"They'll share treats such as bush tomato scones and ice cream with Aboriginal toppings - wattleseed and lilly pilly with ginger, too.
"A barbecue lunch will provide students with the chance to try crocodile, kangaroo or a traditional beef sausage."
Meanwhile, the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council will host its annual flag raising ceremony and morning tea at its Maitland Street premises in Muswellbrook on Friday, July 5.
The service begins at 10am.
Then, on Monday, July 8, the Wanaruah NAIDOC committee welcomes the community to its main event at Simpson Park.
From 10am until 3pm, residents can enjoy lunch, music, demonstrations, activities and information stalls, which will follow the announcement of the 2019 NAIDOC Art Competition awards and raising of the Aboriginal flag.