DESPITE pouring rain putting a damper on Monday’s NAIDOC Week march, the opening ceremony that followed was the biggest in the history of NAIDOC celebrations in Orange.
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Members of Orange’s indigenous community embraced the rain and doggedly marched down Summer Street in a show of pride, with busloads of people following behind them, before making their way to the Orange Function Centre for the opening of NAIDOC Week.
Committee chair Gerald Power said the Orange Function Centre was “absolutely packed out” with over 1000 community members, schoolchildren and staff from 23 service providers.
He said those who got soaked marching demonstrated the devotion of Orange’s indigenous community.
“Like I’ve said in the past, we’re committed, we’re dedicated and we’re going to do it,” Mr Power said.
“The community jumped out and really supported us. It was such a feel-good atmosphere.”
Monday’s ceremony was originally planned to be held at Robertson Park after the march, but when the skies began to bucket down in the early hours of yesterday, the committee rushed to the shelter of the function centre.
Orange mayor John Davis and member for Orange Andrew Gee spoke about this year’s theme for NAIDOC Week, Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond, both paying respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service people, and 49 awards were given to Orange school students from kindergarten to year 12.
“Awards were given for achievements in sport at school, literacy, numeracy, any aspect of education,” Mr Power said. “It’s about self-confidence and supporting our wonderful children.
“We’re saying, ‘We’re proud of you, keep on going’.
“When you look at it, only one per cent of Aboriginal children go to university, let alone those who make it to year seven or year eight.
“Education is the major thing for employment, for opportunities.”
alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au
