Abb McAlister and Peter Beath.
Cootamundra marked NAIDOC celebrations this year with a flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall.
Peter Beath, local Indigenous leader, said, “It was good. It was probably one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had in the last couple of years, it was nice to see.
“I delivered the Welcome to Country for those that were there in Wiradjuri language. Abb McAlister gave us a speech from the Mayor’s side of things in CGRC. We did the flag raising ceremony with a few members of the local community, then we all had a really nice morning tea.
“I think it’s great that, especially the Council gets on board to help celebrate NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week is a time when all members of the community can come together and celebrate Aboriginal culture.”
This year is the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.
“We have done it the last couple of years, which has been good. “It’s probably the largest turnout we’ve had. People came to witness the flag raising and then joined us for a morning tea and a few cultural activities. There were people of all ages from all different parts of the community who came together.
“There’s been a few different things, a language workshop, and a weaving workshop. A few different activities have been organised with Destini [Warren] at the Council. She’s pulling together a schedule of activities.
“There was also a flag raising over at Gundagai as part of it. The Council didn’t just concentrate on Cootamundra. There were events planned across both communities, which was really good.
“The theme for this year was all around the next generation, strength, vision, and legacy.”
-Jack Murray
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