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Bourke welcomes its smallest citizens


Khesanh Sullivan with daughter Amarli and Elders Aunty Dot Martin, Aunty June Smith and Aunty Heather Mieni. Photo TWH

Bourke’s newest little citizens were welcomed to country at a special ceremony this week.

The ‘Welcome Baby to Bourke Community’ event has become a regular date on the Bourke calendar and on Tuesday 30 babies and their families took part in the ceremony.

Organiser Pat Canty from the Far West Local Health District said the ‘Welcome to Baby’ was a special ceremony to connect families and children to their culture and heritage.

“We do it because there are no birthing services in Burke, and it is so important we welcome them into the community and connect them to their country and the land they come from.

“Even babies whose families are not from Bourke are welcome to be part of our community and this is a wonderful way to introduce them to our culture.

Speakers at the event included Lyiata Ballangarry, Pat Canty, Elder – Aunty June Smith, Councillor Victor Bartley on behalf of Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman, LHD District Manager of Maternity Alison Louden and Ian Cole who offered a prayer of blessing for the babies and their families.

Councillor Bartley said that it was important to welcome this next generation of babies into the community, and said that it was important that parents, carers, and the wider community encourage and nurture their children. […]

Read more and see lots of photos in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

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