Image: Keynote speaker and Elder of the Year Rose Lovelock
Drizzly skies and a cold wind did not deter over 150 staff, students, community members and Elders from attending UNE’s annual NAIDOC Acknowledgement Ceremony on Anaiwan lands on Monday morning.
Attendees took part in a smoking ceremony provided by UNE’s Aboriginal Cultural Advisor, Steven Ahoy, before being warmly welcomed to Country by local Elder, Uncle Steve Widders.
Themed For Our Elders, this year’s event acknowledges the prominent role Elders have played, and continues to play, in families and communities across every generation.
Speaking on behalf of UNE, Interim Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Simon Evans paid his respects to Elders past and present before informing attendees that Council, Academic Board and the Executive of the University have affirmed their support for the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. In doing so Prof. Evans said UNE stands with the Elders who have had a long association with the University. Elders such as adult education specialist Professor Jack Beetson and Uncle Colin Ahoy, UNE’s first and only Elder in Residence. Uncle Colin was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2021 for his services to UNE, the community and a lifetime devoted to fighting for Aboriginal education and land rights.
This year’s special guest speaker was active community member and local Elder of the Year Rose Lovelock from the Armidale Regional Cultural Centre & Keeping Place. Her speech beautifully captured the essence of the theme, For Our Elders, by highlighting how the tenacity and strength of the Elders have carried the survival of Aboriginal people today.
“Our communities draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics, and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow.”
“They have guided our generations and paved the way for us to take the paths we take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world.”
The event concluded with an interpretive dance performance before people braved the cold to view the special flagraising ceremony and make their way to Booloominbah for damper and soup.
Acting Director of the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, Samantha Fowler, extended her thanks and appreciation to all who had attended
“We had a fantastic turnout for this year’s NAIDOC ceremony. We were especially pleased to welcome so many of our Elders, who are of course the focus for this year’s NAIDOC Celebrations. And to have Uncle Steve Widders and Aunty Rose Lovelock involved in the ceremony was a real honour,” Sam said.
“A big thank you to the Armidale Secondary College Aboriginal Dance Group for their beautiful performance and to the wonderful staff from Yarm Gwanga who made an outing with 30 toddlers and pre-schoolers look effortless.”