The annual NAIDOC Week Flag Raising ceremony in Gundagai was Friday morning, to mark NAIDOC Week 2024. The ceremony took place in the Gundagai Council Chambers/Mirrabooka precinct.
Although cold and chilly attendees were delighted to witness Gundagai elder Uncle Stan Russell perform a smoking ceremony and Uncle Peter Smith welcomed all to country prior to the flag raising executed by interim mayor Councillor Gil Kelly and Aunty Sony Piper.
“NAIDOC week is a time to reflect on the contributions of Indigenous Australians to our nation and to recognise the ongoing challenges they face. It is imperative that we all take a moment to acknowledge and show our support to the Indigenous community to help repair the damage caused by past actions and to move forward together as a united nation,” Cr Kelly said.
A delicious morning tea was enjoyed by all in the Gundagai Council Chambers after the event.
Photo and caption:
A traditional smoking ceremony was enacted by Gundagai elder Uncle Stan Russell at the NAIDOC Week 2024 flag raising ceremony held in Gundagai on Friday of last week. Interim Mayor Cr Gil Kelly is pictured with Uncle Stan Russell.
