City of Busselton starts NAIDOC Week celebrations with flag-raising ceremony

Locals gathered before the City of Busselton building on a windy Monday morning to take part in the NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremony.

The ceremony was led by City of Busselton Cr Sue Riccelli, who, following a welcome to country from elder Gloria Hill, spoke about the City’s new reconciliation action plan which included plans for a playground, outdoor education centre and meeting place at Barnard Park and an interpretation and signage plan at Meelup Regional Park.

Undalup Association traditional custodian Shannon Clohessy also addressed the crowd on the importance of the current Noongar season Makuru.

“Makuru is the fertility season,” she said.

“Across country, you can see the animals pairing up, and looking out to the ocean you can see the marmang (whales) as they make their way out from our cold waters, to the warmer waters up north, much like people do at this time.

“The indicators of the season tell us how the country needs to be managed and treated at that time, and it’s these indicators along with the knowledge that comes from our elders, that gives us the power to stand up to show up to get up for country.

“Without all the people that have worked, walked before us, we wouldn’t have the strength of culture and acknowledge that we do today.”

Dr Robert Isaacs also spoke on the significance of NAIDOC Week celebrations, as a member of the Stolen Generation.

“When NAIDOC Week comes upon us, we are standing up the crowd, because we are achievers,” he said.

“We are not forgotten people and I’m so thankful to the loved ones, that given us an opportunity to do what we have to do, to be nice to people.”

After the ceremony, guests were invited to a morning tea provided by Woolworths West Busselton and a performance from local choir Wadan Warangkiny.