Naidoc celebrations honour culture
NAIDOC Working Party member Tammy Stanton described the entertainment by Warwick Crazy Crew and the Clarence Valley Hip Hop group on Saturday night at the Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse as fantastic.
“The crowd really enjoyed themselves,” Ms Stanton said.
“I would like more non-Indigenous to come along next year and share our culture.”
After a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Terry Olsen outside the clubhouse, Darryl Charles performed the Welcome to Country and Councillor Neil Meiklejohn responded for the community.
“I want to respectfully acknowledge the past, present and future traditional owners of this land on which we are gathered and let me say how privileged it is to be standing on your country,” he said.
“I recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal people in this land and the contributions of both Aboriginal Australians and non-Aboriginal Australians, in shaping this great country we all live in and share – Australia.”
Six Southern Downs regional councillors donned their aprons to distribute shared food at the beginning of the celebrations.
Cr Cameron Gow said the celebrations were about sharing culture and identity.
“I recommend more people go along to Naidoc celebrations in the future, I am very impressed,” Cr Gow said.
Community youth worker Bonita Tyler said she was really happy with the turnout and quality of entertainment.
