NAIDOC celebrations continued at the Gympie Civic Centre on Friday, helping to bring communities together in recognition of Indigenous Australians.

President of Cooloola Aboriginal Services Incorporated and elder Aunty Lillian Burke said the turnout had been great.

She said it was important to maintain a connection with their culture, which had been denied to them so often over the years.

NAIDOC week was especially important in making that connection with youth.

“It’s for them to understand who they are and where they come from,” she said.

Aunty Lillian was pleased with this year’s events and said that, after all the work and effort which had gone into organising them, it was a very satisfying result.

“I’m fulfilled.... it makes me feel good, and it makes me feel proud.”

The NAIDOC Dinner Dance was last night.