For Worimi elder John Ridgeway OAM, Friday’s community day at Murrook Cultural Centre was “everything”.
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Mr Ridgeway said he was happy at seeing some 3000 people, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, turn out to the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week event.
“A day like this means everything to me,” he said.
“Seeing a crowd like this, it really opens my eyes. It is a lot bigger than last year. It think that shows progress.
“Non-indigenous people are getting to know what we are doing, where we are going.
“Getting together like this, this is what reconciliation means.”
By the end of NAIDOC Week, Mr Ridgeway will have performed five welcome to country ceremonies.
He helped to open the Port’s NAIDOC Week in Raymond Terrace on Monday.
His final act will be to attend a presentation of WWI medals to Raymond Terrace and Districts Historical Society at Sketchley Cottage on Saturday.
Traditionally the community and family day at Murrook is the last event in the Port’s NAIDOC Week schedule.
Andrew Smith, chief executive officer of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, said this year’s community day perhaps their biggest year.
He called the day “very successful”.
“The sun was shining and people have just come from everywhere,” he said.
“We estimated about 3000 [attended]. So, a big day.
“We may have think about location and and parking next time.
“It's been fantastic.
“It never feels like work when you're serving your community. It's a labour of love.
“To be able to put this all on for families – Aboriginal and non – to come together for NAIDOC Week is special.”
In addition to rides, including dodgem cars, children’s activities such as lantern making, face-painting, information stalls and a barbecue, there was live music.
Worimi man Jacob Ridgeway and partner Kat Waria kept the Murrook grounds pumping before indigenous hip hip group The Last Kinection jumped on stage for a special performance.
Earlier:
More than 3000 people turned out to Murrook Cultural Centre in Williamtown on Friday for the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week community day.
There were rides, stalls, children’s activities and live entertainment, including a performance from indigenous hip-hop group The Last Kinection.
More to come.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
