Keep the fire burning: Darwin NAIDOC march 2024
Thousands attended Darwin’s NAIDOC march with the intention to ‘create change’ and ‘celebrate Blak excellence’. See all the photos.
Indigenous Affairs
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“We must remember that even in a time of celebration, there were so many people that have fought before us, and there’s so many more people need to be listened to.”
Larrakia woman Lorraine Williams said NAIDOC week was as much a call to action as it was a celebration.
The same sentiment is reflected in this year’s theme: Keep the fire burning – Blak, loud and proud.
Joining this year’s march in Darwin, Ms Williams said speaking up for First Nations people was particularly poignant after last year's failed referendum.
“We don’t get a seat at the table,” she said.
“We feel like their voices aren’t being heard.”
Ms Williams pointed to the Lee Point campaign as an example of Aboriginal voices being ignored.
She said she was “very happy with the way that everyone’s been campaigning” but it still was not enough.
Yanyuwa/Garawa man Nick Fitzpatrick said NAIDOC’s roots were in protesting and interpreted the 2024 theme as keeping the fire “burning for justice”.
Mr Fitzpatrick said it was important to “celebrate Blak excellence” and “keep pushing forward”.
“This is a good event, brings everyone together and even non Indigenous people that come and march with us as allies,” he said.
“The more allies walk with us, the more powerful and more numbers of standing together, it’s good.”
Last year’s NAIDOC march attracted more than 9000 people.
A Larrakia Nation spokesman on Facebook said they hoped to reach 12,000 attendees in 2024.
“Let’s make history and show the world our strength and unity,” they said.
“Together, we can create change and make our voices heard.”
SEE ALL THE PHOTOS
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