Community members gathered in Buss Park this morning for the official flag-raising ceremony and celebrations of NAIDOC Week 2019.
The event, which attracted large crowds, focused around this year's theme of Voice, Treaty, Truth.
Gidarjil's managing director Dr Kerry Blackman addressed the crowd at the event to speak about the importance of NAIDOC Week.
“NAIDOC is aimed at raising awareness of our history, a day of celebrating our achievements in all areas that affect our lives,” he said.
“NAIDOC is about who we are, where we have come from, identity and the story of our survival for the last 231 years.”
Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor also took to the stand for the NAIDOC Week flag raising ceremony to discuss how the week was helping to shape the future.
“It is about celebrating our individual and shared history, being open to stories of our cultural richness and indeed working together for a shared future,” he said.
“The three flags that fly behind me really do provide an important message.
“Even though they are of different colour and design, no flag flies higher than the other. They fly together side by side.”
NAIDOC Week 2019
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
Its 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 Indigenous Australians.
It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make.
NAIDOC Week activities will continue, with a range of events scheduled across the region.
To find out more click here.
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