Celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee is celebrated not only in indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.

On Tuesday students from local primary schools visited Dungog High where they learnt about dance, symbols and storytelling.

The youngsters at Tillys Play and Development Centre had great fun when students went to their centre and painted their faces on Thursday.

The recently constructed bush tucker garden at the school was given a boost with a $400 donation from the Teachers Federation to plant more trees.

Teacher Louise Rowley said the donation was a big bonus for the school.

“We made sure the trees were locally sourced so they will survive in our climate,” Ms Rowley said.

“They will make our grounds and the bush tucker garden more enjoyable.”

On Friday the students held a special NAIDOC assembly with traditional Aboriginal items from the school choir, singing and drama groups.

This was followed by the movie the Sapphires and students also enjoyed a sausage sizzle, face painting and music.

Principal Maureen Jarvis said NAIDOC was a day of celebration for everyone.

“We say thank you to the Aboriginal people for looking after this land of ours for thousands and thousands of years,” she said.

“And we want our children to look after this land now.”