The theme for this year's celebrations is 'Always Was, Always Will Be' which recognises the First Nations people who have occupied and cared for the land for over 65,000 years.

The morning began with a welcome by Dubbo College teacher Mark Dann before the raising of the flags by Support Unit students.

Skye Crawford, Isabella Fernando and Janaya Rose did the acknowledgement of Country and afterwards Dubbo College Senior Campus principal Marisha Blanco gave a special reading on this year's NAIDOC theme.

She said we should not differentiate Aboriginal, British or modern history as it is Australia's history.

"We acknowledge as a nation we have a dark history of dispossessing of their land," Ms Blanco said.

Special guests in attendance were Aunty Narelle and Lewis Burns, who also spoke at the ceremony.

Mr Burns performed a smoking ceremony for teachers and students to walk through before heading off to NAIDOC sessions.

These sessions included two separate talking sessions, firstly about why NAIDOC Day is celebrated plus the 2020 theme of NAIDOC, as well as a music session and finally a games session.

Mr Burns is a Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri man born and raised in Dubbo.

He said it is always a pleasure to be invited to participate in NAIDOC celebrations in the community.

"I tried to be an advocate for cultural protocols and maintain that on our country," Mr Burns said.

He added that it was also lovely to be able to take part in NAIDOC celebrations with Aunty Narelle.

"It's about educating people in the right direction, showing is better than telling, that's why we do it," Mr Burns said.

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