Narrabri Shire Council hosted the NAIDOC Week flag raising ceremony last Wednesday, July 9, with a crowd forming to listen, remember and celebrate.
Narrabri Shire Council mayor Darrell Tiemens opened the ceremony with a short introduction, before asking Austin Stanford to perform the Acknowledgment to Country.
Cr Tiemens continued discussing the theme of NAIDOC this year; “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”.
“This theme speaks to the strength of our young leaders, the wisdom passed down from Elders, and the enduring legacy of the world’s oldest continuous culture.
“It is a powerful reminder that the future of this nation is shaped by those who walk proudly in the footsteps of their ancestors, while forging bold new paths of their own.
Mayor Tiemens also mentioned that this year, NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of formally recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through NAIDOC.
“It is a significant milestone, and one that offers us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come – and the work that still lies ahead.
“Across our region and the country, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are leading with courage, creativity and conviction.
“They are shaping change in communities, schools, workplaces, sport and the arts. They are the voices of today and the visionaries of tomorrow.
“Let us take time to listen to stories, learn from truth and honour the legacy that continues to shape our shared future.”
Cr Tiemens then invited Uncle Barry Toomey and Aunty June to raise the flags to officially mark the start of this year’s NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony.
As well as the flag raising, the ceremony involved the official unveiling of Narrabri Shire Council’s new indigenous designed uniforms, welcoming up Catherine Davis to say a few words.
“This new addition to the council staff uniform is a proud reflection of our ongoing commitment to cultural recognition and respect,” Catherine said.
“The artwork incorporated into the shirt has been designed by the talented Shane Toomey, who unfortunately cannot be here today.
“It tells a meaningful story of connection, community and country.”
This concluded the official ceremony, and attendees were then invited to join council at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre multi-purpose room for a morning tea and wonderful cake, hosted by Healthwise.
