Mossman street parade will close out NAIDOC week
NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS
A huge week of NAIDOC celebrations that featured a powerful address by former Australia rugby league prop Sam Backo will wrap up tomorrow with a street parade in Mossman.
Douglas Shire Council and the Mossman NAIDOC Committee is calling on residents to get down to Council chambers on Front Street at 9.45am tomorrow.
A family fun day will be held straight after at Bubu Kinkari, or George Davis Park, just north of town.
Attendees can also admire the Yalanji Arts exhibition called “Ngana Muruku Kaday”, which is located at Council’s Mossman Administration Building foyer.
Earlier this week, Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu sought permission from local elders to deliver her official welcome to country in the Kuku Yalanji language.
“It was a really special opportunity,” she said.
“I felt it was especially fitting given that this year’s theme is centred on language and after Mossman State School was recognised with two awards, including a Premier’s Award, for their Kuku Yalanji Language program at the Queensland Reconciliation Awards this year.”
Mayor Leu is encouraging everyone to attend the street parade.
“Every year we have a fantastic turnout by our local schools and community groups,” she said.
“This year is about working together for a shared future so I am calling on everyone to get involved.
“We are so lucky to have such a rich indigenous culture in our region and it is important everyone takes time to appreciate their valuable contribution.
Former Canberra Raider, Sam Backo, also delivered a powerful speech about his family at the flag raising ceremony on Monday.
The Ingham-born prop forward, whose mother Evelyn Scott was former chairwoman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, detailed his memories of coming to Mossman Gorge many years ago
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