The crowd gathered in the Griffith Regional Theatre on Thursday took an important moment to acknowledge the First People of the land on what continues to be a troubling date for many.
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In her Welcome to Country Aunty Gloria Goolagong said she had mixed feelings about the significance of the day.
“This land will always be the land of the First People, I look forward to the day when we can all move forward and make this country more equal and fair for everybody,” she said.
Speaking to the city’s newest Australian citizens before they took their oath she welcomed them and encouraged them to learn of the history of the nation, with the theatre erupting into applause following her address.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley also made a poignant tribute to the Indigenous community.
“The burden of disconnection and disadvantage falls first and unfairly on First Australians,” she said before celebrating the many nations and cultures that make up Griffith today.
72 flags decorated the Griffith Regional Theatre on Thursday, to represent the 72 nations making up the modern city.
The Farrer MP said the things making Griffith unique were both the sacrifices of early pioneers for the region and the nation as well as the modern multicultural community.
She recounted her own experience of moving to Australia as a migrant, saying when she arrived a man had told her she was in the best country in the world - and that he had been absolutely right.
Griffith Mayor John Dal Broi recognised the dedication and impressive achievements of all nominated.
“Even being nominated is an honour, so please be very proud of that,” he said. Cr Dal Broi selected Griffith’s Noel Hicks and and Alan Smith for the impressive honour of Local Hero of the Year.
Across the city citizens both old and new marked the date – with many kicking off celebration at the traditional Pioneer Park breakfast.
“This is a traditional Australia Day celebration in Griffith and each year we see more and more people come enjoy all the festivities and have a good time,” Museum Business Administration Coordinator Jenny O’Donnell-Priest said.
More Australia Day coverage in Monday’s paper.
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