Uralla Shire Celebrates NAIDOC Week

Published on 12 November 2020

Uralla Shire Council held NAIDOC Week festivities on Tuesday, 10 November in celebration of this year’s theme ‘Always was, always will be.’

Uralla’s NAIDOC Week celebrations began with a welcome from the Mayor, Cr Michael Pearce and a smoking ceremony, followed by the flag raising ceremony at the Uralla Shire Council Administration Building.

Due to COVID Safe guidelines in place, attendance at the indoor festivities held at the Uralla Memorial Hall was restricted to the local Elders and event organisers only. Following the welcome to country by Aunty Pamela Meehan, remarks were made by Mayor Pearce, Uralla Shire Council General Manager Kate Jessep, and MC Aunty Robyn Wheeler.

A COVID Safe Marshall was in attendance at the Memorial Hall to assist with physical distance requirements and practices in line with NSW Health guidelines.

Mayor Pearce said he was glad the NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations were able to go ahead with some changes to Uralla’s traditional NAIDOC Week activities to follow COVID Safe guidelines.

“While our NAIDOC Week celebrations looked a little different this year, what’s most important is that we were able to gather and celebrate the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mayor Pearce said.

“It is an honour to join the Elders to recognise and celebrate the First Nations people of Uralla Shire.”

“NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ achievements and their rich history and culture,” Mayor Pearce said.

‘Always was, always will be’ recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for Australia for over 65,000 years.

NAIDOC Week 2020 invites Australians to embrace the history of Australia. In support of this year’s theme and celebrations, the Uralla Shire Library has featured books on display to further enable the community to ‘see, hear and learn the First Nations’ 65,000+ year history of this country - which is Australian history and supporting all Australians to celebrate having the oldest continuing culture on the planet.’ 

Uralla’s NAIDOC Week 2020 activities were made possible by grant funding received from the Australian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Uralla Shire Council
council@uralla.nsw.gov.au | 02 6778 6300