Community Development and Events

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held annually from 27 May - 3 June.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024 is Now More Than Ever, a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue. 

Council will host a free community BBQ  to acknowledge and celebrate National Reconciliation Week. The event will include a Welcome to Country and dance performances by Dirraybang Footprint.

Date: Friday 31 May 2024

Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm

Location: Kings Parade, William Street (directly across from Council's Civic Centre)

2024 NAIDOC Week Celebration and Miil Bulal Film

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations.

The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme is 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud'. To acknowledge the theme and celebrate NAIDOC Week, Council hosted it's annual celebration on Wednesday 3 July at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. Approximately 400 people gathered to watch the premiere screening of Miil Bulal (both eyes - Wiradjuri), a local film made in collaboration with Council, Loveridge Digital, Elders, community members, schools and service providers. 

Attendees witnessed Bathurst South Public School play the didgeridoo, Goodstart Early Learning Centre perform their Acknowledgement of Country song and Kalmadyne Goombrydge recite his poem on the 2024 NAIDOC theme. Following the screening and ceremony, local Elders raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags before enjoying lunch catered by Indigenous Cultural Adventures.

Miil Bulal can be viewed on Council's YouTube channel: Miil Bulal (both eyes - Wiradjuri)

The Bathurst NAIDOC Committee will host a week of NAIDOC celebrations from Sunday 8 September 2024 - Saturday 14 September 2024. 

• Sunday 8 September | Family Fun Day, 10:00am - 2:00pm at Bathurst Adventure Playground
• Monday 9 September | NAIDOC march, 10:00am starting at Haymarket Reserve
• Tuesday 10 September | Elders luncheon, 11:00am - 1:00pm at Kelso Community Hub
• Wednesday 11 September | Junior AECG Ball, 6:00pm - 10:00pm at Bathurst RSL Club
• Thursday 12 September | Sports Day, 9:30am - 3:30pm at Cubis Park Eglinton
• Friday 13 September | Family Bowls Day, 10:00am - 2:00pm at The Greens on William
• Friday 13 September | Musical BINGO Night, 6:00pm - 8:30pm at Kelso High Campus
• Saturday 14 September | NAIDOC Ball, 6:00pm at Bathurst RSL Club
• Additionally, Manning Aquatic Centre will host an event on Friday 27 September from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

Please contact Bathurst Regional Council (02 6333 6523) or Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council (02 6332 6835) for further information on September celebrations. 

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National Close the Gap Day will be observed across Australia on Thursday 21 March 2024. National Close the Gap Day advocates for health equity of Australia’s First Nations people, raises awareness of the Indigenous health crisis and supports First Nations people to access health services.

Council has partnered with Moodie’s Pharmacy Bathurst to deliver health information and provide health checks, including blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing.

Date: Tuesday 19 March 2024

Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm (no bookings required)

Location: Kelso Community Hub, 24 Bonnor Street, Kelso

For more information, please contact Council on (02) 6333 6523

National Sorry Day is an important event in Australia that acknowledges and recognises the historical mistreatment and injustices inflicted upon First Nations people, particularly the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day is commemorated annually on May 26 and is a platform for reflection, remembrance and reconciliation, highlighting the impact of past government policies and actions on First Nations communities.

Council has invited local First Nations Elders to a National Sorry Day Elders Morning Tea to commemorate National Sorry Day 2024. 

Date: Friday 24 May 2024

Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm

Location: Kelso Community Hub, 24 Bonnor Street, Kelso

If you are a First Nations Elder who would like to attend, please RSVP to Council's Cultural & Community Services Section on 02 6333 6523.

Click here to view flyer(PDF, 6MB)

Paint with ya mates in the school holidays! 

Learn how to paint your own Mufassa the bird with Aboriginal Artist, Tracey Woolfe (@Lone Woolfe Art).

Bathurst Regional Council have received funding from the NSW Government Regional Youth Holiday Break Program to coordinate two paint and sip workshops on Tuesday 1 October 2024 for First Nations young people aged 12-19 years. 

The workshops are free and include materials, catering and transport if required. 

Registrations are essential and spots are limited to 20 participants per workshop. 

For more information or to register, please call Council's Community Services Section on 02 6333 6523.