By ALENA HIGGINS
THREE flags billow in the breeze above Warwick Police Station this week following a touching flag-raising ceremony to recognise NAIDOC Week.
About 70 people, including Githabul elders, braved the chilly morning to gather outside Fitzroy Street on Monday to watch the flags take to the skies, which has become an annual tradition between police and the local indigenous community.
Police liaison officer Mandy Bahr had the honour of raising the Queensland Police Service flag, Evelyn Burnett the Torres Strait Islander flag while Jade Chalmers, 13, raised the Aboriginal flag.
“It is a very happy time,” the Warwick High School student said.
“I feel very proud.”
In his address, Acting Inspector Stewart Day touched on this year’s theme, Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond, which honors all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who fought in defence of Australia.
He said the flags would fly proudly for the remainder of the week to signify the culture, history and many contributions indigenous Australians have made to the community.
Mayor Peter Blundell was on hand to watch the proceedings, which included a welcome to country by Delphine Charles, a representative of the Githabul people.
