The hospital's general manager Catherine Nowlan said the flag raising ceremony coincided with speeches from Orange Health Service's NAIDOIC chairperson Jade Beetson as well as from Aboriginal elders.

Following the opening of the COVID-safe ceremony by Ms Beetson, Aaron Williams addressed those gathered with an acknowledgement of country.

"Aunty Alice Williams addressed the crowd providing an understanding of the theme - Always Was, Always Will Be - for the traditional custodians of the land," Ms Nowlan said.

This was proceeded by the general manager herself acknowledging the land has having a history and tradition, and that the Wiradjuri people were the first in the region, hence making them the rightful custodians of the land.

"The footprints symbolised walking on country and as we leave footprints, together we walk on country."

The five elders who joined the ceremony and shared their stories were Cheryl Gaidzionis, Carol Joan Bell, Neil Ingram, Grace Gordon and Shirley Kinchela.

"We were honoured to have these five First Nations elders share with us their stories and bring to life what they understood Always Was, Always Will Be means for them," Ms Nowlan said.

READ ALSO: Storm warning issued, city achieves rare rainfall mark

"These initiatives and the celebrations we undertook are focusing on each of us to think about others and about the people we are here to serve in making meaningful gains in Aboriginal health."

Following the speeches the flags were raised and then posters which were created by each clinical service area in the hospital for NAIDOC Week were put on display in the glass area in between the specialist clinic and the coffee cart.

NAIDOC Week concluded on Friday.