The NAIDOC Youth Stomp attracted musicians and DJs, who performed poetry and storytelling through songs on Saturday at the Scone Youth Centre.

Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Youth Services Supervisor Mary Spora said it was a highly-successful event.

“Most of the young people who came had never been to a live concert before and they really didn’t know what to expect,” she said.

“So it was great to see such down to earth artists performing there.

“The musicians who came from Sydney really got the crowd going and took the time to have a chat with members of the audience.

“We had some Aboriginal elders there and obviously quite a few youths.

“We would have liked to have expanded the audience a bit, but will definitely be looking to run this event again next year and get a few more young people there.

“It really focused on indigenous youth, and hopefully we have created an event that will keep going for many years to come now.”

Funding for the event came from NSW Education Aboriginal Affairs.

Meanwhile, more activities are coming up before NAIDOC Week ends for another year. 

Weaving Magic workshops, run by Gamilaroi elder Dolly Jerome and her partner Paul, will teach Indigenous crafts to school children and seniors.

The workshops will be held on Tuesday at Gummun Place in Merriwa and Wednesday at Liverpool Lodge in Murrurundi.

They are funded by the Federal Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 2016 theme for NAIDOC week is ‘Songlines: The living narrative of our Nation’.

For further information or to register your interest in upcoming events contact Community Services Officer Amanda Catzikiris on 6540 1153.