Councillors, community members and Council staff attended a flag raising ceremony to mark Armidale Dumaresq Council’s (ADC) support for NAIDOC Week.
Last week, those who braved the windy but sunny day heard Steve Widders, ADC’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer, address the crowd.
“The flag flies here every day, which represents the goodwill and respect of Council towards the Aboriginal community,” Mr Widders said.
“The flag represents Aboriginal diversity and that we belong to the land, no matter where our country is.”
Mr Widders then explained the history of NAIDOC Week and the celebration of the survival of Aboriginal people, despite years of injustice and lack of recognition of human rights towards Indigenous people in Australia.
He went on to say that the situation has improved, with the government’s gradual recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make a significant contribution to Australia.
Mr Widders also acknow-ledged that ADC was one of the first to acknowledge the area’s Aboriginal people and their contribution by raising the red, yellow and black flag at the Council building.
On the dialogue between local government and the community, Mr Widders said, “For 21 years, the Gayinyaga* Aboriginal Community Consultative Committee has been a good conduit between Council and the community.”
After acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, the Mayor, Peter Ducat, begin his speech by commending the community for being so inclusive.
“Armidale has a lot to be proud of and this support shows how different Armidale is. We are not afraid to take steps towards doing the right thing.”
The Elders present, together with Councillors, then ceremonially raised the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags in the ADC courtyard.
Of those present, an Aboriginal community member commented on the importance of the day.
“It’s good for Aboriginal people to know that Council is accessible. Council’s reaching out and it’s up to the community to take advantage and see what’s available.
“Steve’s running good programs and the community should be more involved and come to see. It doesn’t always come to your door.”
* Gayinyaga is from the local Anaiwan dialect meaning “Let’s talk”.
