50 cents 2024 - 50 years of NAIDOC
By CAA | Tuesday, 9 July 2024
The Royal Australian Mint released a new coin in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).
It was unveiled during a civic reception in the Queen Adelaide room at the Adelaide Town Hall. The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith welcomed more than 50 guests including members of the National NAIDOC Committee, NAIDOC South Australia Committee and the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation.
NAIDOC's origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920?s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
NAIDOC Week lets us celebrate Indigenous culture, reflect on the past and honour the contributions of First Nations people.
It’s an enormous honour for Adelaide to be chosen as the host city for this year’s celebrations, including hosting the national NAIDOC Awards as well as the unveiling of this commemorative coin.
- Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, Mayor of Adelaide
Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh said that the Mint had a strong history of celebrating Australia’s Indigenous heritage and storytelling on coins.
On reverse, the 50 represents not only the denomination, but also the 50 years of NAIDOC committee milestone, with native plants inside. Footprints of kangaroo and emu can be found near the rim.
The Mint has worked in close partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and the National NAIDOC Committee to develop and produce this coin.
The design symbolises the care, strength and rich culture of our many Indigenous communities. The strong '50' at the centre of the coin highlights the strong history of the National NAIDOC Committee, while the gathering of the 10 individuals in blue at the bottom of the coin represents the coming together of the committee in collaboration.
I would like to congratulate the National NAIDOC Committee and their winning artist, Cortney Glass, on achieving such a beautiful design
- Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Treasury
A fine silver proof set with a coloured version of the coin was also sold.
Co-chair of the National NAIDOC Committee Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley, said the committee had worked tirelessly to bring the coin to life and it was a special keepsake of this significant milestone.
Fifty years of NAIDOC being co-ordinated by an all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee is significant in the recognition and empowerment of Indigenous people to control the messages, through the themes we want Australia to focus on and learn about through our directions.
The coin image selected by Cortney epitomises what NAIDOC is about, through the listing of all the themes from 1972, surrounded by artwork which emphasises culture as our foundation for who we are; and the ongoing struggles in fighting for Indigenous rights and that this is done in solidarity.
In producing this coin, we wish to celebrate and pay homage to all our people who have worked tirelessly over the past 50 years to ensure NAIDOC is a celebration of our people and our cultures, locally, state-wide, and nationally. Our Elders, who first established NAIDOC, would be very proud of them all.
- Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley, Co-chair of the National NAIDOC Committee
Winner of the National NAIDOC Committee’s design competition, Cortney Glass, said it was overwhelming being at the Mint for the production of the coin.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the NAIDOC committee and the Royal Australian Mint on this significant milestone and project.
As a girl originally from the small country town of Katherine, Northern Territory being the artist behind a special collectible coin is beyond my wildest dreams. This experience is truly an honour, and I am profoundly thankful for it.
- Cortney Glass, Winner of the National NAIDOC Committee’s design competition
A special collectible 2024 50 cents Coloured Frosted Uncirculated Coin in Card was also sold for $20.
