Ceremony flags pride in great heritage
THE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags flew proudly outside the Warwick Police Station as a sign of unity for NAIDOC Week celebrations yesterday.
Crowds gathered outside the station on Fitzroy St for the NAIDOC flag-raising ceremony, which has become a symbolic event in the NAIDOC Week calendar.
A number of dignitaries including Mayor Cr Peter Blundell and Githabul tribal elders were present at the ceremony, which included a speech by Warwick police Acting Inspector Stewart Day.
Insp. Day said NAIDOC Week was about building relationships in the community.
"It's about recognising Indigenous Australians in the community," he said.
"After all the harm done we want to move forward."
Police liaison officer Mandy Bahr, who raised the police flag alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, said it was always an honour to take part in the ceremony.
"It celebrates our culture - who we are as indigenous Australians," she said.
Thirteen-year-old Jade Chalmers was given the honour of raising the Aboriginal flag at the ceremony, while Evelyn Burnett raised the Torres Straight Islander flag.
"NAIDOC is a chance for us to celebrate and show our culture," Jade said.
Representing the Githabul people at the ceremony was Delphine Charles, who gave a Welcome to Country address to the crowd.
Celebrations for NAIDOC week will continue until Sunday.
