Monday started with a 'walk with us, together as one' walk from the helicopter to the Bogan Shire Council chamber when a yarning circle was formed for the opening ceremony.

Raylene Weldon led our community in Acknowledgement to Country, encouraging everyone to speak it in Ngiyampaa- Wongaibon language, which is being taught in our school.

Guest Speakers Roy Ah-See former NSWALC chairperson spoke about his life and the opportunities he has had to speak on behalf of Aboriginal people. How he made choice in life that would be better for his and his families future.

Other guest speaker were Kristy Neill from Nyngan Public School P&C and Neralie Quarmby from Nyngan High School P&C both ladies spoke about how working together brings unity and strength for the education of all children and our community

Students from Nyngan High, Nyngan Public, St Joseph's Primary, Hermidale and Girilambone had students speak about the theme of NAIDOC and what it means to them.

Mr Charles Dwyer the Director of Education spoke about the importance of us coming together, and Mayor Ray Donald spoke about us as one community, and how we move forward as one community.

Tiarna Stafford Nyngan High School Teacher choreographed and a powerful dance from the student of our local schools about coming together for ceremonies.

The flag was raised by an Elder Uncle Tommy Ryan, who has been an advocating for the rights and needs of Aboriginal people for many years and has been volunteering at Nyngan NAIDOC events for many years.

The cake was cut by the board and CEO of Nyngan LALC, for their dedication to the NAIDOC in our community.

After the closing ceremony community was invited to Bogan Shire Early learning Centre Cultural Showcase session where children sung and danced for the Community and a morning tea was held.

In the Afternoon Nyngan Preschool Cultural showcase and afternoon tea, where the children danced and sang and played activities in the yard.

Tuesday was Nyngan High School Cultural show case day where we heard song sung in Ngiyampaa- Wongaibon Language, Aunty Thelma Dowton raised the Aboriginal Flag, students had activities such as dance with Jamie McClelland, Johnny cake baking, TIG games, And the school unveiled the beautiful painting on the container near the gym which represents the Weilwan people.

Wednesday was Nyngan Public School Cultural showcase day where we were welcomed to an opening ceremony and children showcased traditional dance and spoke about NAIDOC. Aunty Lesly Ryan raised the Aboriginal flag and children participated in activities interactive session with Uncle Ralph Naden, dance and listening to Castlereagh Connections, who are young Aboriginal boys playing instruments and singing songs. Children enjoyed face painting and TIG games.

Thursday was St Joseph's Primary school Cultural Showcase, starting with a liturgy and acknowledging what they were taught at the Brewarrina Fish traps tour. Each activity was lead with a story before undertaking games, and cooking of Johnny cakes.

Friday was the Community day at Rotary Park on the Bogan River, service providers from Nyngan and surrounding communities attending. From Bike helmet exchange programs to face painting, jumping castles, drumming, fishing competition, (sadly no fish were caught) and then to top it off an awesome BBQ cooked by Jodie Smith and her son Trae.

Friday evening was the NAIDOC dinner, where community enjoyed a lovely two course meal and a farewell message to Mr. Michael Gibson who was the Principal at Nyngan High School, who has been dedicated to our whole community and is moving closer to own family. We wish him all the best in the future.

Thank you to everyone who came along and assisted in a great week. Thank you to the sponsors Aboriginal Affairs, Aeris Tritton Mines, AGL, and Early Rise Bakery.

Thankyou to anyone who contributed to the NAIDOC week celebrations, those who helped in any way please know how much we appreciate it.

It's a great opportunity for us to come together and be united. As this year themes states: lets work together for a shared future.