Flag flown for NAIDOC Week

Local NAIDOC Week activities were officially launched on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony in the Bendigo Library gardens.

As part of the event Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation CEO Rodney Carter performed a welcome to country and shared his support for this year’s theme of For our Elders.

“We have many things to be proud of, one of those, around the theme of this NAIDOC of course, is our Elders, and not enough I think can be said about them,” he said.

“The wisdom that they impart to us through their knowledge needs to be respected above all.

“The frailty that we face as we become older, and the difficulties that we find in doing the things that we took easy, it’s important for younger generations to provide that assistance.”

Acting CEO of the City of Greater Bendigo Andrew Cooney was MC for the event and acknowledged the significance of Elders.

“A special thanks to all the Elders that have been able to come out and be part of this today and thank you for all the wonderful work that you’ve done over the many years to shape where we are and to shape NAIDOC Week,” said Mr Cooney.

City of Greater Bendigo acting director healthy communities and environments Andie West said NAIDOC Week is a “celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“It is also a great opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.”

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised by the mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, general manager of Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation Cassandra Lewis, NAIDOC Week committee chair Aunty Lyn Warren, and NAIDOC committee member Anne Conway.

The smoking ceremony was done by Peter Hudson and Jackson Dunolly-Lee, and Jason Kerr played the didjeridoo.