The Snowy Monaro community is being encouraged to come together for a NAIDOC event to celebrate the ongoing connection of Ngarigo people to country and reflect on their resilience over thousands of years.

NAIDOC Week celebrations (usually held in July but September this year for the region) will be held in Cooma’s Centennial Park on Friday 2 October where locals will have the opportunity to learn more about Ngarigo and Aboriginal connection to the Snowy Monaro.

Uncle Bunja Smith, a Yuin Elder and director of Yukemboorong Aboriginal Corporation, said the event will showcase the diversity and strength of local culture.

“We encourage the whole community to join us in Centennial Park to celebrate culture, community and connection,” Uncle Bunja Smith said.

“NAIDOC is an important opportunity for us all to come together and learn to appreciate culture in a respectful, sincere way that helps broaden perspectives and build cross-cultural connections.”

Respected Ngarigo Elder, Aunty Iris White, will conduct a Welcome to Country, allowing participants to reflect on the ongoing connection of Ngarigo people to the region and the resilience of Ngarigo stories.

Attendees can look forward to a welcoming community event featuring local service providers, community organisations, market stalls, artists and activities for children. The Australian Defence Force recruitment team will also be present to discuss career opportunities with locals.

The Cooma event is being run by the Yukemboorong Aboriginal Corporation with support from other local groups. The event runs between 9.30am and 2pm.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘50 years of Deadly’, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander culture, history, achievements and community.

The celebration will flow on to the Cooma Rotary Club’s night market, held from 5pm to 9pm.