As part of NAIDOC Week – which recognises the contributions of Indigenous people to our culture and society – The Yass Valley will hold its annual community celebration.

Across the nation, activities will be taking place during the first full week in July. All Australians are encouraged to participate. 

The national theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is Songlines – The living narrative of our nation.

People of all backgrounds are invited to enjoy a day of family fun on Wednesday, June 6.

Immerse yourself in culture with traditional storytelling by attending the community talk, participate in the official flag raising ceremony or enjoy a special lunch with members of our Aboriginal community. 

These events are taking place from 10am – 2pm at the Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall on Wednesday July 6.

Bring your family to NAIDOC at the movies that will be held at the Liberty Theatre.

"It's been a while since anyone has said, ‘let's go to the cinema in Yass!’ But that's exactly the nostalgia Yass Valley Youth Council is hoping to bring back for the experience of both young and old during NAIDOC week,” Cathy Campbell from Yass Valley Council said.

The 700-seat theatre built in 1939 has seen many changes over the years. Aboriginal Elder Ken Bell recounts some of his first memories at the old theatre as some of his best. 

“It was like a kid's castle, everyone went to the cinema,” Uncle Ken said. 

“I remember watching these films that went for about a half an hour, which cost you around one shilling and sixpence, which is around 15 cents these days.

“They showed movies every day except for Sunday’s and everyone always came out to see what was on.”

The Liberty Theatre was a place where townspeople would come to watch the news if they didn't have their own television. WW2 announcements were played as well as the Queen's wedding and Coronation. 

“We got all dressed up to go. It was like something from a king's castle with these beautiful big velvet curtains and nice carpet,” Uncle Ken continued. 

Segregation was apparent during the first few centuries of the Liberty Theatre opening and all of the Aboriginal community was made to sit on the left of the theatre, regardless of the number of empty seats. 

“I never went to the toilets inside,” Uncle Carl Brown said. “I actually didn’t know there was a toilet inside until many years later.

“It was a very elitist place to go, there would be buses that came into town with very well-to-do people on them. We didn’t care much because it was exciting. You would know what was playing at the weekend because they would display the movie on posters and they would be all around town.”

On Saturday July 9, from 7pm, the Liberty Theatre will come alive again as part of NAIDOC week. It will be a free viewing and the Yass Valley community is encouraged to come out to watch the two movies: ‘Nana’ and ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’. 

Yass Valley Youth Councillors are hosting this event and are excited to be working with the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council to bring movies back to Yass. 

Mrs Campbell believes NAIDOC Week is a great way to bring the local community together. 

“This event, like others organised during NAIDOC Week, helps to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” she said.

“We welcome everyone and encourage all residents to participate in the celebrations and activities that take place during this week.”

On Wednesday July 6, starting at 10am, there will be community talks by local Aboriginal Elders, a Flag Raising ceremony and lunch at midday.