14th September 2023.
Naidoc Celebrations.
I rise today to reflect on the splendid National NAIDOC Week celebrations that took place throughout the Electorate and across NSW in July. It was an honour to be a part of these momentous events, which provided a platform to appreciate and commemorate the history and culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. During that week, I had the pleasure of attending The National Indigenous Art Fair where I had an engaging conversation with Uncle Wes Marne, a distinguished author. His wisdom and insights left a lasting impression. I had the privilege of attending the flag raising ceremony in Wingecarribee, where we joined together to raise the flag in recognition of our Indigenous elders. The ceremony was followed by the opening of the NAIDOC Exhibition "For Our Elders" at The Atrium gallery inside the Civic Centre. This exhibition celebrated the talent of our local First Nations artists and provided an opportunity to showcase their remarkable works. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals and organisations who worked tirelessly to make these events a resounding success. Their dedication and commitment ensured that the NAIDOC Week celebrations were an unforgettable experience, fostering unity, understanding, and appreciation.