THE Muswellbrook Shire Council Aboriginal Reconciliation Committee is asking residents to “walk together” next month.
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The annual raising of the Aboriginal flag will take place during National Reconciliation Week at Simpson Park, Muswellbrook, on Wednesday, June 1, from 10am until 11.30am.
And, the community has been invited to play its part, according to councillor Janelle Risby.
“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort,” she said.
“May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history.
“The 1967 referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australian vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.
“On June 3, 1992, the High Court of Australia delivered its landmark Mabo decision which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land – that existed prior to colonisation and still exists today.
“This recognition paved the way for land rights called Native Title.”
Wednesday’s ceremony will feature emcee Waylon Boney, an address from Muswellbrook High School captain Brock Matthews and a performance from the Wakagetti dance company.
Cr Risby said there would be special tributes for the late Les Elvin and Michael “Mick Didge” Davison, too.
“Both men were well-known in the area and were respected by everyone,” she said.
Mr Elvin shared his knowledge and love of Aboriginal art with thousands, most notably in schools and jails.
In 2008, he was named national Aboriginal artist of the year during NAIDOC Week.
In 2011, he was ‘‘very chuffed’’ to become only the fourth person to receive the keys to Muswellbrook Shire.
Mr Davison conducted many workshops on behalf of the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre across the Upper Hunter, including Murrurundi (Turning the Pages Project) and Blandford Public School as well as at the arts centre.
He also performed his music and stories at numerous opening nights and other events at the arts centre.