RECOGNISING Australia’s First Nations people, learning about their connection to Country and healing, will be marked with a fortnight long program of events for NAIDOC Week in Murray Bridge.

NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held across the Murraylands from Monday 20 September to Friday 01 October 2021, to honour the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The theme for 2021 ‘Heal Country!’ explores connection to Country and seeks greater protections for lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.

The Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis called on the community to embrace Ngarrindjeri cultural knowledge and understanding of Country.

“NAIDOC Week encourages respect for the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders - as they respect the cultures and values of all Australians,” he said.

“To Heal Country, we must work together towards redressing historical injustice.

“This is an opportunity for our community to focus on coming together, learning the history, celebrating the achievements and honouring one of the oldest living cultures on our planet.”

NAIDOC Week celebrations in Murray Bridge will begin with the annual Bridge Walk, starting on the east side of the Murray Bridge road bridge at 9.30am on Monday 20 September.

“The Bridge Walk is symbolic of people bridging the divide in our community, between cultures, between people and working together to Heal Country,” said Mayor Lewis.

The walk will flow through to the Local Government Centre (2 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge) for the flag raising and NAIDOC Awards Ceremony at 10.00am.

A Colour Fun Run and Family Fun Day will be held on Tuesday 28 September, at Sturt Reserve.

For more information about local NAIDOC Week events visit the events calendar on Council’s website or phone 8539 1182.

All events have registered COVIDSafe Plans and meet with COVIDSafe requirements.