NAIDOC Week was officially launched by Gunnedah Mayor Owen Hasler and Cr Gwen Griffin at Wolseley Park on Sunday morning after a parade along Conadilly Street from the Cumbo Gunerah (Red Kangaroo) Memorial.
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Cr Hasler said NAIDOC Week is important for the nation, recognising 40,000 years of continuous indigenous history.
“It is also important for Gunnedah as it recognises the Gamilaroi Nation as depicted in Ion Idriess’ book, The Red Chief, and the fact that some 10 per cent of our shire population identify as Aboriginal,” he said.
“It has been a proud week for many of us who attended the opening of the Boonalla Recreation Area in the Kelvin Forest area last Thursday for it was not only a very real recognition of the more than 4000 years of Aboriginal occupation of that area but it provides marvellous facilities for people to recognise and enjoy.
“This year has also been a sad one for indigenous Australians and non-indigenous alike because of the recent news of the death of the iconic Yothu Yindi lead singer, Yunupingu, for he symbolised for many of us what Indigenous Australians have, and can, achieve.
“He was not only the lead singer of the Aria award winning band for the Song of the Year in 1992, Treaty, the band which I remember performed at the Gunnedah Pool in the 1990s, but he was just as importantly, a great educator of his people as the first Indigenous School Principal in the Northern Territory.
“Yunupingu had a great sense of mission for his people – it was part of his vision that music could become a political agent in making the broad mainstream Australia more aware of the rich Indigenous culture of his people.
“It began an incredible journey to increase awareness about Aboriginal Australians and bring all Australians closer together in a combined vision for our nation’s future – vision that continued until death and I hope will continue in Australia’s collective consciousness far into the future.
“I hope that many of you here today emulate the work of Yunupingu in your own lives.”
Cr Hasler said Gunnedah Shire Council was a proud sponsor the day before declaring NAIDOC Week in Gunnedah open and watching the raising of the Aboriginal Flag.
The family fun day included face-painting and rides, a jumping castle, lots of coloured balloons, storytime, craft, outdoor games, free health checks and much more.
Mother Nature turned on beautiful weather as sausages sizzled on the West Rotary barbecue and DJ music drifted across the grounds and families gathered to celebrate.
