Mass kicks off NAIDOC Week

Barbara Trevaskis, Kathryn Webb, Father Chris Schick, Edna Alley, Adele Giles, Carol Willie, Doris Housmam, Edna Fraser, Shirley Olsen and Therese McCabe were all at the NAIDOC Mass yesterday.

Amy Haydock

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ELDER Edna Alley from Rockhampton has been involved with the NAIDOC Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral since its formation many years ago.

The Rockhampton woman of the Fitzroy Basin Elders said yesterday the mass was a wonderful way to celebrate indigenous culture.

“I think events like the NAIDOC Ball are just wonderful for our young people,” she said.

But Elder Edna said there is still more to be done concerning community involvement.

“I think we’ve still got a long way to go with getting support from the wider community,” she said.

“But certain people in the community do show a lot of support for us.”

Co-ordinator for the Aboriginal Islander Catholic Council Ministry NAIDOC Mass, Adele Giles, said it’s a great way to mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week, officially running from July 3 to 11.

“We had a great representation of elders here today and I think the awareness for NAIDOC Week has definitely grown within the Rockhampton region,” she said.

Many other activities will be held this week , including the annual flag raising ceremony today at 9am to 10.30am at the Rockhampton Regional Council building.