On Saturday, March 23, the Patonga community celebrated a significant milestone in its recent history with the raising of the Aboriginal flag alongside the Australian flag at the Patonga Progress Hall in the centre of the village.
More than 100 people were present for the ceremony and speeches with the event underpinned by important Aboriginal cultural activities presented by Central Coast Aboriginal cultural and community groups.
These included Mingaletta, Girri Girra, the Barang Regional Alliance, Bungree Aboriginal Association, Bara Barang, Yerin Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services, the Wollotuka Institute (University of Newcastle) and The Glen Centre for Men.
The flag raising ceremony included speeches by Member for Robertson Gordon Reid, First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance film and television producer Rachel Perkins, former Federal Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Robert Tickner and Patonga Beach Progress Association President David Nash.
An Acknowledgment of Country was given by Aunty Robin (Mingaletta, Umina) and a Smoking Ceremony and cultural connection by Tim Selwyn (Girri Girra, Central Coast).
Dancers from the Glen Centre For Men at Chittaway Point performed a traditional dance and the flags were raised by 8-year-old Ruby-Rose and 7-year-old Milo to warm applause from the onlookers.
The celebration was a culmination of historical and ongoing Aboriginal recognition work, connection and learning, largely undertaken by the Aboriginal Recognition Sub-Committee of the Patonga Beach Progress Association.
Sub-Committee Co-convenor Mike Bennie said seeing the flags flying alongside each other at the Patonga Progress Hall was a “halcyon moment for Patonga”.
“This is a symbol of inclusion that reflects the willingness and interest of Patonga to recognise and further engage with Aboriginal culture and people,” he said.
“Importantly it is a symbol of welcome to all, as a reflection of the Patonga community collective conscience.”
Sub-Committee Co-convenor Paul Guignard said the simple, dignified and moving ceremony brought people together.
“It expressed our desire and wish for harmony in a shared future,” he said.
“This was brought to life by the two young people Ruby-Rose and Milo who raised the flags simultaneously, keeping pace with each other as a positive signal about what can become.”
The Sub-Committee’s ongoing cultural connection and Aboriginal flag raising ceremony were widely supported by the Patonga Beach Progress Association and the Patonga community.