Camden Council is set to honour Australia's rich Indigenous heritage with its celebration of NAIDOC Week, featuring a variety of events and activities to engage the community in learning about and appreciating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated in July each year and this year local celebrations begin early with an Author talk by Ngunnawal woman, Mel Brown, at Oran Park Library from 6pm on Thursday 4 July.

Ms Brown will be discussing her new book Shades of Me, a personal story of culture and identity. For more information and to register, visit library.camden.nsw.gov.au.

Following the success of previous NAIDOC celebrations in the Camden area, this year’s official ceremony and community event will take place on Tuesday 9 July from 10am in the Oran Park Civic Precinct.

The ceremony features a flag raising and smoking ceremony, dance performances and a Welcome to Country. Celebrations continue with a family-friendly market and activities including indigenous garden games, bush tucker catering and kids’ activities until 1pm.

For youngsters, the Alan Baker Art Gallery will host the Mini Mob Painting workshop on Wednesday 10 July. Held from 11am-1pm, the class is aimed at kids 8+ keen to create their own Mini Mob keepsake, exploring traditional techniques with local First Nations Artist, Melissa Barton. Tickets cost $15. To book visit, www.trybooking.com/CSPNG.

For older residents, Café Connect will host a dot painting workshop on Friday 12 July from 10-11.30am, at Spring Farm Community Centre. Take home your very own masterpiece along with a deeper understanding of Indigenous art and culture. For more information on Café Connect, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/community/support/older-people/cafe-connect-camden.

An exhibition of local Indigenous artists’ works will be on display at Camden Library and featured on the ARTangle at Alan Baker Art Gallery throughout the month of July.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, emphasised the significance of NAIDOC Week.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone taking part in the program.”

For more information about Camden Council’s NAIDOC Week program of events, visit bit.ly/camdennaidocweek.