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)

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn aboutFirst Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

Celebration details for 2024 will be published in due course.

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)