Murrin Bridge to celebrate NAIDOC and its 60th birthday

18 September, 2009

Murrin Bridge to celebrate NAIDOC and its 60th  birthday

18 September, 2009

The Murrin Bridge Aboriginal community was opening its doors to all-comers - both black and white - to help it celebrate NAIDOC Day and its 60th birthday this Friday and Saturday, the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council's Wiradjuri Region representative, Councillor Craig Cromelin, announced today.

"These two days are very special," Councillor Cromelin said.  "They are special to me as well - I come from Murrin Bridge".

Councillor Cromelin said while the community had certainly had its up and downs over the years, it had survived.

"We are still a strong community," Councillor Cromelin said.

Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO, Annette Olhsen, said the community hoped the whole community would support the celebrations.

"The emphasis on Friday is on activities for our young people.

"We will be busing in well over 300 children from surrounding communities such as Lake Cargelligo to help our children celebrate National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Day .

"These celebrates will start around 10.30 am on Friday," Ms Olhsen said.

Saturday's 60th anniversary celebrations would begin at 11am with an official opening and smoking ceremony and continue well into the night.

Activities included:

  • A launch of a book written and prepared in the community of Murrin Bridge's history
  • A church service on the site of the former non-denominational church
  • Various displays and art exhibitions, including a comprehensive pictorial display co-ordinated by the Department of Climate Change, Environment and Energy
  • A demonstration of traditional Aboriginal games
  • A talk by the community's only Aboriginal manager, Les Ridgeway
  • Live evening entertainment by local bands

"These are special celebrations.  We are celebrating our survival," Ms Olhsen said.

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Further information: Councillor Craig Cromelin 0448 274057  or Annette Olhsen 68981119 or 0428 825523.

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

Image