Mayor's 2024 NAIDOC Week speech

Mayor Teresa Millwood was pleased to offer a speech at the Queensland Health NAIDOC Week event and the Mamu Health Street Parade in Innisfail this week.  I wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we stand, the MAMU people and acknowledge my respect for their current and emerging elders, and those in dreaming and thank them for the contributions they have made in building our community.

"It is an honour to be here to recognise the culture, history and achievements of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Keep the fire burning, Blak, Loud and Proud. My understanding of this year's slogan is Blak - culture and the history, Loud - getting the culture and history out there, and Proud - being proud of who you are.

"We come together to share our connections and to learn from your culture and heritage through your paintings, your dancing and your storytelling. What we learn from each other can only make us all stronger, we cannot fix what has happened but we can learn from those experiences and strive to make the future a better place. This for me means that we give recognition for the past, we show our appreciation of the people and we celebrate the culture and rich tapestry of tradition that defines the Aboriginal and Torres Striat Islander people.

"It is also important to ensure that all peoples have safe access to basic human needs to promote livability and health because If we have healthy people we have a healthy country.

"And I would like to finish with Keep the Fire Burning!

"As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

"Thank you for having me here to help celebrate this momentous occasion."