Cr Joanne McRae told about 2000 people at the annual NAIDOC Week opening ceremony in Robertson Park Indigenous women had fought for equal rights.

“I look forward to seeing their representation on Orange City Council  in the near future to ensure that our council represents all members of the community,” she said.

Cr McRae said women had “taken the lead” in advocating for future generations.

“Sadly Indigenous women’s role in our cultural, social and political survival has often been invisible, unsung or diminished,” she said.

“Women often work for recognition and equality while caring for families, maintaining homes and still breaking down barriers and gender stereotypes.

“As leaders, as trailblazers, politicians, activists and social change advocates, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women fought and continue to fight for justice and equal rights.”

She said that included rights to country and justice plus access to education and employment.

“They are teachers, doctors, lawyers, dentists, chefs, nurses, emergency, defence, police personnel and volunteers,” she said.

“Here in our community of Orange they are mothers, elders, grandmothers, aunties, sisters and daughters.”

Cr McRae said she was pleased to see so many people and school groups parade down Summer Street on Monday, which event organisers described as Orange’s biggest turnout.

“Standing on the footpath on Summer Street as thousands of you walked past was really powerful and very emotional to see the support for NAIDOC Week here in Orange,” she said.

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Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said Indigenous women had played vital roles in society.

“The Orange community has been enriched due to the rising voice and passion of local Aboriginal women who have demanded a better life for the family and community,” he said.