AS Armidale Dumaresq prepares to celebrate just 150 years of local government, Aboriginal elder Steve Widders has put in a reminder that local government was well established in the area for thousands of years prior to 1863.
He makes the point in his role in Armidale-Our Town, the play written by Barbara Albury, which will be performed at the Town Hall from November 22-24 to mark the city and region’s sesquicentenary.
“It’s a good idea to celebrate 150 years of local government through this play,” he said.
“But white people tend to overlook the thousands of years of very effective local government that preceded their arrival.
“There was law and order, local decision-making and good governance then as there is now.”
Mr Widders, from the Anaiwan clan says elders were responsible for the smooth running of their local tribe and also for negotiating with neighbouring clans like the Gumbaingerri in the mid-north coast, the Dhunghutti in the Kempsey region and the Kamilaroi in Tamworth.
“Local government is not new,” he says. “It was just as complex back then as it is now and there is a lot we could learn from them.”
Armidale-Our Town is an entertaining medley of events, social interaction and colourful characters who contributed to the city’s history and progress.
“We had to be selective, because there is so much material,” Ms Albury said. “But one important priority has been the Aboriginal perspective.
“Steve is making a great contribution as a member of the cast and an advisor reminding us in no uncertain terms that local governance did not start with the white settlers.”
A cast of 14 has been assembled to play multiple parts in the production and rehearsals are well underway. The play includes original songs and music by Bob Thompson and Chris Cunningham and will raise funds for a new library, which is part of the Armidale Civic Precinct project.
Bookings for performances on Friday 22 November at 11am, two more matinees on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November at 2pm and evening performances on Friday 22 November,and Saturday 23 November at 8pm (Gala Night) can be made at Carr’s NewsXpress (6772 3534) in Central Mall or www.armidalecivic.org.au
