Byron Broome performs the smoking ceremony at the opening of the new Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation office in Bundaberg.
Cultural pride and ceremony was on display today as the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation opened its new offices.
Tribal elders were joined by Bundaberg Region Mayor, Jack Dempsey, and local politicians including Keith Pitt and David Batt for the opening ceremony.
The new building on Perry Street, North Bundaberg, will be home to the corporation which in the past few months has grown its membership from less than 10 to more than 80.
The corporation advocates to all levels of government, coordinates services, promotes Indigenous culture and drives job-creation programs.
The Taribelang Aboriginal Dance Group entertained with traditional dance and a smoking (cleansing) ceremony.
Local developer Bill Moorhead, who leases the building to the corporation spoke of his pride at participating in a function where elders were present.
Mr Moorhead offered the exterior walls of the building for the corporation to utilise with traditional art.
Mayor Dempsey applauds initiative
Mayor Dempsey applauded the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation for its initiative and success.
He said the organisation's vision statement was powerful and decisive: “Bunda people will be strong, proud and empowered through cultural knowledge, quality education and economic participation and growth.”
“I am delighted to see what has been achieved by TAC in the areas of partnership building, education and developing employment pathways,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“I am certain the broader community will embrace the very strong environmental programs you have in place and the outcomes you are achieving and will continue to achieve.
“To have an organisation like the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation established within our community provides a voice for many Indigenous people – a voice with which Council can engage.”
