C2006-17 National Aboriginal & Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC Week 2-9 July 2006)

Theme: 'Respect the Past - Believe in the Future'

Agencies are advised that NAIDOC Week 2006 will be celebrated from 2-9 July 2006, with Friday 7 July proclaimed as National Aboriginal and Islander Day.

This years NAIDOC theme is 'Respect the Past - Believe in the Future'.

NAIDOC Week celebrations continue to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the opportunity to celebrate their culture and heritage with the wider Australian community.

Agencies are encouraged to support and release Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate in NAIDOC Week events, as set out in Chapter 6 (6-19.14.6) of the NSW Government Personnel Handbook:

'A staff member who identifies as an Indigenous Australian shall be granted up to one days special leave per year to enable the staff member to participate in the National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Commemoration Celebrations. Leave can be taken at anytime during NAIDOC Week, or in the weeks leading up to and after NAIDOC week as negotiated between the supervisor and staff member'.

Increasing numbers of schools, government agencies, local councils and workplaces participate in celebrating NAIDOC events. To find out more about NAIDOC visit http://www.naidoc.org.au

As a mark of respect and support agencies are also encouraged to fly Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the NSW Flag on their buildings. Information on the protocol on flying both flags can be found (on our website).

Enquires regarding NAIDOC Week or the special leave entitlements should be directed to Julie Moore on (02) 9228 3549.

C Gellatly
Director-General