Flags were flying high during Reconciliation Week celebrations in Shellharbour City as more than 160 students marched in the annual School Flag Walk.
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The event at Albion Park’s Centenary Hall on Tuesday saw students from 25 schools join members of the community to celebrate Indigenous culture.
For Mark Mongta of the Yuin people, the Flag Walk was an opportunity to share their customary traditions with the youth.
“It’s a coming together to help one another share the knowledge and learning of our heritage,” he said.
“We’re getting older so it’s important to share the stories of our past tribes with the younger ones so they continue on.”
The importance of the event was marked by the attendance of indigenous elders who participated in a flag exchange with students from the community.
St Joseph’s Catholic High School student Chelsea Jensen said the ceremony was an opportunity to develop an understanding of the Dharawal tribe.
“It provides us with the ability to recognise other cultures and learn about their way of life,” she said.
Despite the prospective merger of the Shellharbour City Council, councillor Kellie Marsh said the event needs to live on.
“The [Flag Walk] helps to break down barriers and helps us to learn about the heritage of Aboriginals within the community. It is so important that events like these continue as it builds the acceptance of cultures within Shellharbour.”
In attendance was Throsby MP, Stephen Jones who affirmed the events importance.
“It is a great opportunity for kids to from all schools to learn about the continuous culture of the Indigenous community.
“We have seen some really ugly [racial] events over the past couple of days, but this affirms the identity for Aboriginals.”