Half a century of ‘Deadly’ — NAIDOC celebrates achievement and resilience

The Brewarrina community NAIDOC march was well attended on Monday. Photo: Naya Morton Photography

Story by Tricia Duffield

Communities from Bourke and Brewarrina to Walgett and Lightning Ridge have gathered to mark a milestone – 50 years of NAIDOC – a half-century of celebration, resistance and renewal.

What began as a modest call to recognise Aboriginal culture has become a week of ceremony and expressions of community unity.

Chair of the Bourke NAIDOC organising committee Pat Canty said it was because of those who came before that the community was able to celebrate this milestone.

“It’s an amazing achievement that we are here 50 years on, still celebrating this amazing culture,” Pat said.

“It is our elders who have gone before us; who have stood up to be counted. There are many in our communities who you would call freedom fighters, who have paved the way to allow us to have a voice.

“The biggest challenges ahead are much the same as they were 50 years ago. We’re continuing to address Closing the Gap in health, housing and employment; things that impact Aboriginal people, and that impact the whole community.”

Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford, who helped lead the NAIDOC march down Oxley Street, described the anniversary as “a powerful milestone”. […]

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