NAIDOC 2019 - Voice Treaty Truth

The NAIDOC theme for 2019 is Voice, Treaty, Truth which highlights the importance of reconciliation and unity, “let’s work together for a shared future.” The Indigenous voice of this country is over 65,000 years old and communicated the first words spoken on this continent. These languages have passed down lore, culture and knowledge for over a millennia. They are precious to our nation.

Keeping this in mind, in addition to, 2019 being the International Year of Indigenous Languages, McCarthy Catholic College celebrated NAIDOC 2019 by highlighting language and the rich Indigenous culture.

Uncle Len Waters, local Gomeroi Elder, performed a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country to begin the proceedings of the day at our McCarthy Catholic College formal assembly. The NAIDOC Assembly quite appropriately, incorporated the beautiful Gomeroi language thus setting the tone for the morning. Indigenous senior students Alina Swan and Jacob Shanley led the assembly as well as many other Indigenous McCarthy students who participated in prayer. All of these students should be commended on their level of professionalism and commitment to promoting pride in their culture.

The first performance held us in awe, as we were entertained by Kaleb Taylor, proud Gomeroi man, ex-McCarthy student, mentor and family liaison for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families at Lewisham Christian Brothers High School. Kaleb and the members from his dance group, Harry, Jack, Ezekiel and George engaged the entire audience in the hall, teaching language and presenting traditional dances. Each story was explained meticulously, and it was an outstanding and inspiring performance to which I would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Later in the day, Kaleb and the boys also hosted a traditional dance workshop for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike. We are so very grateful and wholeheartedly hope we will see them again.

Another highlight of the assembly was the presentation of our two major NAIDOC awards, the McCarthy Catholic College Perpetual Cultural Award and the Julian Rice Memorial Scholarship. Both honours were taken out by very worthy Year 12 recipient, Joshua Turner. Congratulations Josh, your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Thank you and congratulations also to Miss Nicola Ross, past McCarthy student who was last year’s very first recipient of the Julian Rice Memorial Scholarship. Nicola also attended the assembly and spoke to the students about her journey thus far into tertiary education and afterwards was presented with her cheque for $2000.

The awarding of this scholarship would not be possible without the generosity of the Rice family on Julian’s behalf. Thank you to all of you for being with us and particularly Christian Rice for the delivery of your very moving speech and for presenting the award on behalf of the family.

Following the speeches came our next very special treat….the outstandingly polished traditional dances and didgeridoo instrumentals performed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from St. Edwards Primary School Tamworth. You were an inspiration to us all, we loved every single moment, WOW! Thank you Mrs Heidi Hardaker, Mrs Lisa Smith and Miss Brittany Cloake for bringing them across. We can’t wait to have you all up here with us at McCarthy again soon.

To conclude the assembly the McCarthy Catholic College choir and band, along with several of our Indigenous students and Aboriginal aides sang “I am Australian”. A specific highlight in this performance was the chorus, sung in the Gamilaraay language taught to us by Uncle Len Waters. Thank you Uncle Len, Mr Tim Godden, Miss Katherine Harvey and Mrs Donna Swan for your support and guidance also.

Finally, a very sincere thank you to Mr Chris Smyth, Director of Catholic Schools Office- Armidale, and Mr Geoff McManus who both attended and spoke to the assembly about their genuine investment in Aboriginal culture and education at McCarthy Catholic College and around the Armidale Diocese. We sincerely thank you both for your continued support as well as, the entire McCarthy staff for their ongoing support of our rich, beautiful and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and students.

The biggest thank you of all however, is extended to all the families and community that came along to celebrate with us and support us. Thank you for making the day as significant as it rightfully should have been. We will see you all again next year for NAIDOC 2020.

McCarthy Parents and Friends Association