Community
6 August, 2022
Douglas Shire Naidoc Week
NAIDOC’s theme this year was a rallying call to all First Nations people to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, said in his speech at the Opening and Flag Raising ceremony, this year’s celebrations were about moving beyond just acknowledgement, good intentions, and promises.
“It’s about walking the walk and not talking the talk”.
“Whether it is seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism”, the Mayor said “we must do it together.”
“There must be a genuine commitment by us all to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! and support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms.”
The week’s celebrations included a baby show hosted by Goobidi Bamanga Organisation, Netball Fast Five competition, Mossman Gorge Gateway Markets, an Elders lunch and wrapped up with a huge street parade along Front Street to George Davis Park where school groups and families joined in on celebrations, activities and learnt about NAIDOC week and Indigenous culture.
