Flags fly proudly at Hawkesbury City Council


People from far and wide gathered this week at a special ceremony outside Hawkesbury City Council’s Administration Building to officially raise the Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag as part of National Reconciliation Week.

The Aboriginal flag was raised by Aunty Edna and Uncle Wes and the Torres Strait Islander flag was raised by Aunty Deb.

The beautiful autumn day saw a fresh breeze lift the flags straight after they were raised in front of a respectful crowd of 130 people who gazed proudly to see the flags flying.

In order to honour our indigenous communities and their contribution to the Hawkesbury, Aunty Edna did the Welcome to Country with her granddaughter Krystal and Uncle Wes performed the traditional Smoking Ceremony, in which all guests were invited to walk through the smoke as part of an indigenous cleansing ceremony.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford was delighted to see so many people in attendance on Tuesday, 27 May.

“The Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flags will fly permanently outside Council and will also be displayed inside the Council Chambers at all times from hereon in,” Councillor Ford declared.

“It has worked out brilliantly that we are raising the flags during Reconciliation Week with all of you present today.

“This action represents Council’s commitment to the national reconciliation effort and fits well with this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme of Lets Walk the Talk.

“There have been many members of our community who have contributed to bringing this about,” he added.

“I would like to thank all the members of the community who played a pivotal role in making this happen.

“I know that you have been the voice of our community and I'm so pleased to see your efforts come to fruition.

“It’s great to share in the community togetherness and enthusiasm that we’re all experiencing today.”

Councillor Ford also thanked Tony Williams for his donation of the flags and he acknowledged that the importance of raising the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag was made evident by the incredible support shown by the whole of the community.

Stacy Etal, a guest from Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury, sang her song called ‘I am a Darug Woman’ and also gave a speech strongly acknowledging the importance of the flags and commending Council for the flag raising.

A wide range of representatives from Indigenous Australian organisations and groups from within our community attended as well as Councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett, Jill Reardon, Leigh Williams and General Manager, Peter Jackson.

Local schools also participated in the event as part of National Reconciliation Week, including Windsor, Windsor Park, Grose View and Schofields public schools and Windsor, Riverstone, Richmond high schools.

As Parliament was sitting the local members of parliament were unable to attend however Council was pleased to welcome Ms Jan Barham who is a member of the NSW Legislative Council to the event.

The flags will fly permanently outside Council’s Administration Building, 366 George Street Windsor and will be lit of an evening.

For more information visit Hawkesbury City Council