Cultural celebrations will flow across the Cook electorate, and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be highlighted in a huge variety of ways, as NAIDOC Week gets into full swing from now.

Events for NAIDOC Week will play out for the rest of July, the significance of the celebrations in all Cook communities filling the calendar.

Cook MP David Kempton said NAIDOC Week, held nationally and internationally in the first week of July, is a time for all Australians to reflect on and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of all indigenous peoples. 

"It is exciting to serve such a diverse electorate, and one of the benefits of a large electorate is that events will continue to be held throughout the entire month of July,” he said.

"NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration and reflection with the Crisafulli Government supporting 10 events in the Cook electorate ensuring our communities can come together to honour the strength, vision, and legacy of its communities."

Celebrations took place in Mareeba yesterday (Thursday, July 9,)when two cultures came together to cook and feast with the entire community, allowing everyone to share their unique foods and cooking styles.

Community Elders shared stories of how these traditional cooking styles were passed down through generations in yarning circles.

This year's theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, highlights the strength of young community leaders as they forge a bright future, while also respectfully acknowledging the legacy of past generations. 

To celebrate NAIDOC Day, Governor Jeanette Young will visit Pormpuraaw with School students and Elders doing Cultural Dancing and making crafts. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson encouraged Queenslanders to learn about and celebrate two of the oldest continuous  cultures in the world. 

"I encourage all Queenslanders to join us this NAIDOC Week as we recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and what they bring to our communities," Minister Simpson said.

"It calls on all of us to look towards the future of our young Queenslanders, as well as acknowledging the past and working together to make our communities better places.’’