The morning started early with breakfast at Winanga-li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre before the men headed out to Breeza to pound the tar back to Gunnedah while the women gathered at Porcupine Lookout for a smoking ceremony. 

The traditional Cumbo Gunerah Run commemorates the legendary Red Chief saving his tribe from virtual destruction when two youngsters backtracking in search of a lost dilly bag spotted members of the fierce Cassilis tribe approaching their camp.

With the hunting parties far away across the plains, the remaining women and children were herded to the secret camp and a smoke signal from Porcupine Hill (Bindea) summoned the warriors to return.

Community members including emergency services personnel gathered for the street march down Conadilly Street to Wolseley where the official flag raising ceremony took place, followed by the family fun day with rides, face painting, traditional dancing, music, food and stalls.

Sunday signalled the end of NAIDOC Week, which was packed full of events including a Dreamtime football game, cards night, NAIDOC Awards and the opening of the art exhibition. This year’s theme was ‘Because of her, we can’.

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