The Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Council has been awarded a grant of $875 for community events to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2016. NAIDOC Week honours and promotes the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia, with the theme for 2016 being songlines said Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people used Songlines to navigate vast distances and map oceans, waterholes, rivers, birds, animals, plants and hunting grounds and are recognised today in crafts, dance, songs and stories. “Our local community is home to a rich and vibrant Aboriginal culture, so I am delighted that the Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Council was one of 122 successful organisations across NSW to secure funding for their event,” said Mr Gulaptis. The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Leslie Williams has congratulated the Aboriginal and community groups receiving grants. “The NSW Government understands how important it is that local organisations lead NAIDOC Week celebrations, sharing their history and culture with the broader community,” she said. “These grants support events in towns and suburbs right across NSW, which include family fun days, traditional arts and craft workshops, and Elders storytelling. “Our Aboriginal communities have so much to be proud of and I look forward to joining in the celebrations,” Mrs Williams said. For more information, please visit www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au.