This year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations in the community have been a great success.

The week began with a very proud moment as our local Wiradjuri Elders, Jennifer Johnson, Michael Lyons and Mr Tommy Lyons attended Council Chambers to officially raise the Aboriginal Flag atop the building, further recognising the traditional custodians of these Wiradjuri lands and waters.

This was followed by the Community Day at Marie Bashir Park, hosted by the Elders Committee. With perfect weather, it was a day full of fun, food, games and music supplied by local band River Country with guest vocals from a number of community members throughout the day. Proudly on display were artworks created by students from all four Narrandera schools that will soon be on display for everyone to enjoy.

The community were able to come together to celebrate this year’s theme “Always Was, Always Will Be”. Xavier Beauchamp began the ceremony with a Didgeridoo performance, shortly followed by a Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri Elder Hank Lyons. Mayor Neville Kschenka and Narrandera High School Captains Heath Chappell and Alyssa Sanders who each paid respect to the Elders and community, while the event MC, Youth Mayor and proud Wiradjuri man Braden Lyons, concluded the formalities with a powerful speech about the significance of this year’s theme.

Following the formalities locals participated in the annual Community Cup, Clontarf versus The Community for a game of softball, with the Community walking away the victors of the match.

Thank you to all of the partners that were able to make this day a huge success including, JBS Riverina Beef and Feedlot, Fusion, Narrandera Public School, Clontarf Academy, Narrandera Junior Rugby League and special thanks to the local Wiradjuri Elders for all of their support and input during the planning process and on the day.