Hundreds march for NAIDOC Week through centre of Adelaide

Young Aboriginals marching in Adelaide have been urged to continue the fight for equity started by their elders.

Marchers listen to the NAIDOC Week speeches at Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Hundreds have gathered in Adelaide for an annual march to recognise the nation’s indigenous people.

A heavy shower failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 400-strong crowd which walked from Victoria Square to Parliament House for NAIDOC Week on Friday morning.

Respected elder Yvonne Agius called for the state’s Aboriginal community to continue the fight for equity.

Mrs Agius, who this week received the Lord Mayor’s NAIDOC Award, said it was important the next generation took up the struggle for reconciliation.

“You have got to carry on what our elders have been doing for years,” she said.

“Our kids are still being taken from hospitals as newborns, this has got to stop.

“Our people are still being given longer jail sentences than other Australians, this has got to stop.

“The police are still treating our kids and everybody badly, this has got to stop.”

Around 400 people took part in the NAIDOC Week street march in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Mrs Agius spent 40 years in the public service working on Aboriginal issues before retiring.

She is the joint chairwoman of the Adelaide City Council’s reconciliation committee.

Meanwhile, the state opposition used the event to announce it would return the Tauondi College at Port Adelaide to Aboriginal ownership if it won the next state election.

The college has provided education, training and meeting space for Aboriginals since 1973.

Deputy opposition leader Susan Close said $4m worth of land and buildings would be transferred to Aboriginal ownership.

“This will ensure the organisation is owned and controlled by Aboriginal people,” she said.

Ms Close said the move would give Tauondi more flexibility over the use of the site, including being able to rent or lease some of its space.

Hundreds gathered outside Parliament Week for NAIDOC Week speeches. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The college had been at various sites over the last 48 years.

“People tried to stop it in the courts, people even tried to burn it down,” she said.

“Once the transfer of ownership is complete, Tauondi will have a permanent home on Kaurna land.”

Kaurna elder Jeffrey Newchurch welcomed the announcement.

“Tauondi sits on Kaurna land but it has been a home for Aboriginal people, knowledge and culture from all over Australia,” he said.

“I warmly welcome this promise to the place the college into full Aboriginal ownership that will help it to thrive into the future.”