Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day Celebration
CWLL Facilitated the running of the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day in September 2025 in partnership with the Parkes NAIDOC Organising Committee
Capacity building - LEP23-005-01_LLC_008
The issue
In mid 2025 the Parkes Wiradjuri Elders expressed disappointment that they were unable to hold the annual Parkes Wiradjuri Family Fun Day due to losing their Aboriginal Project Officer role and there was no funding available to support the event.
The solution
Central West Lachlan Landcare offered to support the delivery of the event with the support of the Local Landcare Coordinator (LLC) due to the event aligning with the Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) priorities in our Strategic Plan.
An organising committee was formed, meeting regularly at the CWLL office, to formulate the framework for the day.
Two grants were applied for. One through the Department of Aboriginal Affairs NSW and additional funding through Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations. These grants provided food and entertainment on the day.
The impact
The day kicked off at 10am with a fabulous performance from Spicy Mercury, who brought everyone into the Park and set the vibe for the event at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre.
Student representatives from Parkes East Public School, Oscar Gosper and Piper Moore assisted Charlie Oraha with the Welcome and Smoking Ceremony. Rose Jones provided support with Auslan.
This was followed by our Parkes NAIDOC Awards, with MC Doug Pout, presented by our Local State Member, Mr Philip Donato MP and Mayor Neil Westcott.
Awards are based on the National NAIDOC Awards, with the addition of our local Award in memory of Annette Sloane.
The crowd enjoyed free sausage sizzle, cooked by beon energy and Parkes Rural Fire Service (RFS). The day was topped off with beautiful NAIDOC cupcakes, made by Johnson’s Bakery.
Thank you to the Parkes High School Guwal Dance Group for their beautiful performance, which was followed by talented musician Shane Riley.
NAIDOC celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate and share indigenous culture within the community.
Key facts
- The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day was a fantastic celebration of culture.
- CWLL were fortunate to be able to support the delivery this NAIDOC event.