Aboriginal tribal elder, Uncle Dick, from Condobolin began proceedings with a formal ‘Welcome to Country’. He was delighted to take part in the NAIDOC celebrations at THLHS explaining that his mother Dulcie Sloan as well as his grandmother Kate Glass both grew up in Grenfell and attended local schools. 

Uncle Dick was accompanied by his daughter Janine Richards and Condobolin Suicide Prevention Project Officer Bec Shepherd, other guests included Troy Mehrton, Julie Russell, Julie Ferguson, Shirley King, Steve and Angela Hundy and their sons Jacob and Paddy who played the didgeridoo during the Smoking Ceremony which was conducted by Troy Mehrton during the official raising of the Aboriginal Flag, risen by students Ethan Reid and Dylan Mehrton.

A performance from THLHS’s recently formed Aboriginal dance group then took place. Members of the new group included well known Grenfell identity Terry Carroll and students Ethan Reid, Joshua Holz, Dylan Mehrton and Nathan Murdoch who performed a number of traditional dances inviting members of the audience to join them. Students then participated in boomerang throwing, face painting, making Johnny cakes and bush tucker tasting.

Year 8 were involved in Aboriginal art workshops and at the end of the day students took part in Indigenous games. The celebrations have been hailed a huge success which is a credit to event coordinator Chad White, Grenfell Suicide Prevention Project Officer, and his team. 

NAIDOC Week acknowledges the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is celebrated annually across the nation during July. The theme for 2018 is ‘Because of her, we can,” which was chosen due to the important role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played throughout history – and continue to play, which include significant roles at community, local, state and national levels.