| 14/7/2011. THE Snowy River Shire welcomed traditional owners from the Ngarigo people and members of their families to National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2011, on Saturday.
The formal part of the event was a Welcome to Country and flag raising ceremony in Berridale, which saw Elders Aunty Rae Solomon-Stewart and Aunty Deanna Davison along with Sharon Anderson from the Ngarigo People welcome everyone, as well as raise the Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag with Councillor Neen Pendergast, along with an Ngarigo Elder Rod Mason, raise the Australian Flag.
Speeches from the Mayor John Cahill and Cr Neen Pendergast were well received. Following the official part of the proceedings, a delightful morning tea was provided at Berridale Community Centre. A barbecue lunch at Dalgety, catered for by the Dalgety Parents and Citizens Association, in the afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Aunty Rae and Aunty Deanna spoke of their affection for the shire and the community as well as thanking those involved for bringing the celebrations together. Tumut Discovery rangers entertained not just the young ones, but the adults as well with their traditional skills in art, rope and tool making. A traditional Smoking Ceremony was held before lunch. Their appearance was certainly a highlight for all in attendance. We also welcomed back our Polish Association members and Danny Henderson from Catchment Management Authority (CMA) showed a video on behalf of the CMA.
Many community members were also able to be a part of the day and interaction between all was great to see. The event also gave Council staff an opportunity to speak with the Elders in relation to the Councils Strategic Management Plan. Organiser Narelle Willems thanked Snowy River Shire Council, National Parks and Wildlife, Southern Rivers Catchment Management and Perisher for their financial support to bring the day together and to the Snowy Mountains Neighbourhood Centre for bringing a successful NAIDOC Week event to all the community.
From the Summit Sun
From The Summit Sun |
Ngarigo Elders with their Polish Friends (on the rights). Foto Tony Lang |
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