Flags finally raised

By Lachlan Ellis

It’s been a long time coming, but the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags have finally been raised at the Bacchus Marsh Police Station – and they’re there to stay.

More than 80 people attended the flag raising ceremony on Wednesday 2 November, including members of the First Nations community, ADF personnel, and students and staff from Bacchus Marsh Primary School.

The ceremony began with a Welcome to Country at 11am, with Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy welcoming the attendees and thanking them for coming to mark the momentous occasion, before a Smoking Ceremony began, with didgeridoo and clap sticks played as attendees took in the smoke from smouldering gum leaves.

“To you who’ve joined us today, no matter where you’re from, your belonging is important. Thank you to each and every one of you, for whatever reason you’ve come, it’s our pleasure to have you here on Country,” Aunty Murphy said.

She also thanked Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Laila Rind for her hard work in putting the flag raising ceremony together.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan, Crs Rod Ward and Tonia Dudzik, Assistant Commissioner for the Western Region Michael Grainger, and Manager of Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-Operative (BADAC) Shu Brown.

Station Commander at the Bacchus Marsh Police Station, Senior Sergeant Jennifer Horgan, said the raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags was a proud moment for local members.

“I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion, it’s something that’s really important to me, that the community drives past and sees that everyone works together and is represented. The last 12 months we’ve been working hard to get this off the ground, and it’s really exciting that it’s finally here,” Senior Sergeant Horgan told the Moorabool News.

“For us, it’s that symbol of community and connection, and just showing our support. We’ve come a long way in terms of working with the Aboriginal community, but there’s a long way to go…I think this gesture is another step forward for us.”

Sergeant Watts echoed Senior Sergeant Horgan’s sentiments in his speech, stating that the flags flying at the station were “a reminder of what has been done so far” in terms of reconciliation and connection with the First Nations community, while there is still “more left to do”.

“This is the first time that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will be proudly raised and fly permanently, in unity with the Australian and Victorian flags. A few years ago, in consultation and support with Pauline Smith, our previous Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, I requested additional flagpoles to be installed. This request was fully supported,” Sergeant Watts said.

After Ms Smith found a new role, and was replaced by Laila Rind with Senior Sergeant Horgan taking on the role of Station Commander, Sergeant Watts submitted his request again.

“As a result, we can now respectfully acknowledge and raise both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the same time as the Australian and Victorian flags today,” Sergeant Watts said.

After the speeches, a free barbeque lunch was then held, followed by song performances by Deb Clark, a dance of connection to country by Bacchus Marsh Primary School students, and a song performance by Uncle Jack Walker.

The ceremony ended at 2pm, with attendees able to take in Aboriginal artefacts and artwork from BADAC and Priority Communities.