Council commemorates National Apology 10th anniversary

In commemoration of the 10^th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation, Newcastle City Council raised the Indigenous Flag to fly over Civic Park this morning.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes participated in the flag-raising ceremony and said that Tuesday 13 February, the date of the National Apology to Australia's First Peoples 10 years ago, is a powerful and important moment in our nation's history.

"This is a date that must never be forgotten," said the Lord Mayor. "Today we gathered to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the apology, to remember the Stolen Generation and their families, and to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to bring about justice and healing."

In August of last year, Newcastle celebrated the 40^th anniversary of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings' landmark decision to fly the Aboriginal flag from Newcastle City Hall, which was seen as a turning point in the Indigenous community's fight for recognition.

“The history of the Aboriginal flag and the flag’s relationship to the city of Newcastle is long and rich and intrinsically linked to our city’s history as a progressive city, with people who care deeply about social justice and equality," said the Lord Mayor.

Newcastle City Council acknowledges the Awabakal and Worimi peoples as the traditional custodians of the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA).

Through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Council staff members actively work towards helping to close the gap in employment, economic participation, health and education for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and in the wider community. We support a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates Indigenous culture and knowledge.

"Council remains committed to the principles and actions outlined in our 1998 Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Newcastle," said the Lord Mayor. "This commitment, based on respect, forms the foundation upon which we will continue to build stronger ties with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."