Eurobodalla's NAIDOC Week starts in a spirit of reconciliation

Eurobodalla’s NAIDOC Week celebrations got underway this morning with a flag raising ceremony attended by more than 70 people on the front lawn of the Council Chambers at Moruya.

Local elder Auntie Coop provided a heartfelt Welcome to Country, and was followed by a performance by Moruya Primary School’s Aboriginal dancers.

Chair of Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee Ros Field was MC for the ceremony, along with Di Riley representing the Eurobodalla Koori Employees Network. Both women spoke of reconciliation and the importance of the relationship with Council and the community.

Mayor Lindsay Brown said it was a beautiful morning and an important opportunity to take the time to think about Aboriginal culture and the value it brings to our diverse community.

To conclude the event, Rod Slockee and some young helpers performed a smoking ceremony, then the Aboriginal flag was raised to the applause of the crowd.

NAIDOC Week 2016 runs from 3-10 July and events are held across Australia for everyone to celebrate and learn about the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The 2016 Eurobodalla NAIDOC Week program includes:

4 July – Campfire gathering at Boomerang Meeting Place Mogo, Flag Raising at Council5 July – Family Fun Day Moruya6 July – Youth Sports Day at Moruya, Youth Disco at Moruya7 & 8 July – Youth Activity Days Moruya7 July – Elders Morning Tea Dr McKay Centre, Men and MEEGAYS art exhibition at the Botanic Gardens8 July – Elders Luncheon at Moruya Golf Club, Youth Disco at Narooma Youth Cafe

Council and EKEN invite all of the community to participate.