July 7, 2017
Kingaroy’s NAIDOC Week celebrations on Thursday morning were so popular that South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell has said it could well become an annual event.
This is the first time NAIDOC has been marked in a big way in Kingaroy for many years and the event attracted a good crowd of onlookers eager to take part.
There was Indigenous face-painting, art, talks and other children’s activities in the Town Hall Forecourt and adjacent Kingaroy Library.
The morning started with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Eric Blair, from Cherbourg, designed to cleanse participants and settle bad spirits.
Pastor Steve Nixon, from the Kingaroy Church of Christ, also blessed the morning with a prayer.
Cherbourg Mayor Arnold Murray conducted the Welcome To Country and led a minute’s silence.
The Wakka Gubbi dancers performed six of their popular dances to great applause, accompanied by singing, didgeridoo and clapsticks.
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell told the crowd the morning was a great opportunity to understand and celebrate the culture of the Wakka Wakka people.
Speaking afterwards, he said the event had been busy and he was really pleased with the turnout. He said it could well become an annual event.
After the NAIDOC activities wound down, Cherbourg and South Burnett councillors adjourned to the Kingaroy Council Chamber to hold a joint meeting to discuss issues that affect both councils.
