Firebrace, who was born in Portland, said it was his first time performing in the city where he would be doing workshops with indigenous children at the Portland Drill Hall between 2-4pm. 

He will then take to the stage at the NAIDOC gala dinner at the Portland Golf Club from 7pm.

He said he had sung at NAIDOC festivals in the past, mostly in Moama where he grew up. “This is my first performance in Portland, so it’s cool,” he said.

The visit to Portland has also given him a chance to catch up with family who live in the area. “NAIDOC Week to me just represents a great time to celebrate and acknowledge such a great culture,” he said.

Aboriginal elder Archie Roach and David Lovett said the week paid homage to Aboriginal people who fought to be recognised as Australian citizens.

The pair attended South West Healthcare’s (SWH)  NAIDOC Week celebrations on Thursday. “It’s good to see people, the community and relatives - that’s what it’s all about - the family getting together for NAIDOC,” Mr Roach said.

Mr Lovett said the week paid tribute to those who fought for Aboriginal rights. “We’ve got to keep the recognition going for them,” Mr Lovett said. “They got us the right to vote.

“This is my week of reflection for my people.That’s what it’s about. NAIDOC’s not about me. It’s about us and what the old people went and achieved.

“They marched from all over just to have one week of the year dedicated to celebrating Aboriginal history and culture and this is it. The definition of being an Aboriginal is in NAIDOC Week.”

SWH health promotions co-ordinator Emma Mahony said this year’s theme was language matters, and there were now only about 120 of 250 Aboriginal languages left. Kids’ singing and language workshops were held as part of the SWH event which attracted 200 people.

Allied health manager Kait Brown said SWH planned to increase its Aboriginal workforce. “Jobs and employment are incredibly powerful determinants of health, and being gainfully and actively employed is an important part of that,” Ms Brown said.