ORGANISERS for the growing Midland NAIDOC celebration are calling on community support and sponsorship to deliver the event the community has come to expect.

Scheduled for October 6, the event has about 100 stallholders involved and an Indigo Junction spokesperson said it was shaping up to be the biggest Midland NAIDOC event to date.

“(About) 3500 people attended last year, and we are expecting a similar or larger crowd this year,” they said.

“We currently have around 100 stallholders confirmed, compared with 65 last year. This year’s event includes additional stalls, expanded entertainment and a larger event area.”

The spokesperson said while the response from the community and stallholders has been positive, the cost of putting on an event of this scale continued to grow.

“The total cost of delivering this year’s event is expected to reach (about) $75,000,” they said.

“Increased costs include expanded entertainment, additional stalls and event equipment, extra audio requirements for the larger event area, increased security and additional catering.

“If further funding is not secured, we may need to reduce some of the free children’s entertainment and food truck options, and consider introducing stallholder fees for future events.”

The spokesperson said groups in the area came together to make the event possible each year, strengthening the bonds in the community.

Local businesses and community members can contribute through financial sponsorship or in-kind support, including goods, services and event resources.

Anyone interested in supporting the event can contact the Midland NAIDOC email address via naidocmidland@indigojunction.org.au

“Midland NAIDOC is an important opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and recognise the strength, history and contribution of First Nations people in our local area,” the spokesperson said.

“It is about connection, pride and creating a welcoming space where the community can celebrate together.”