FLAG RAISING CEREMONY FOR UNSUNG HEROES

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders and children have today attended the ACT Government’s annual flag raising ceremony to officially launch NAIDOC Week in the Capital.

Ms Mary Porter MLA, representing the Chief Minister and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, said she was honoured to be part of today’s ceremony in Civic Square.

“The flag raising ceremony symbolises the ACT Government’s commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of this region,” said Ms Porter.

“NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and it’s an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.”

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way’ acknowledging Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians who have made contributions to the wider community, often without any formal recognition.

“Carers and volunteers who assist people to improve their quality-of-life, wellbeing and social inclusion are just some of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians who are making a difference.

“Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait people are for example volunteers in the ACT State Emergency Service (SES), trained for a number of different roles including search and rescue.

“The NAIDOC theme also focuses on gaps that need to be closed between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians such as life expectancy gaps, health and welfare, housing, and education.”

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July each year to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I am very pleased to see that NAIDOC week is embraced not just in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community but also in the wider community, government agencies, schools, and workplaces.”

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au