NAIDOC week celebrations come early to Toowoomba Courthouse

A smoking ceremony welcomed guests to the courthouse and then the Mura Biri Gururu dance group entertained in the courtroom.

NAIDOC Week came early to the Toowoomba Courthouse on Friday when the courtroom was filled with the colourful sights and sounds of the Mura Biri Gururu dance group.

NAIDOC Week 2021 officially kicks off on Monday but since the Murri Court was in session at the Hume Street Courthouse on Friday, Murri Court Magistrate Kay Ryan thought it a good idea to invite the dance troupe and a list of guests to celebrate at the courthouse.

Damon Miri Anderson performing a smoking ceremony during Naidoc Week celebrations at the Toowoomba Courthouse.

A smoking ceremony conducted on the front steps of the courthouse welcomed more than 50 Elders, Magistrate Ryan and Magistrate Graham Lee, court staff, guests and a range of Toowoomba’s legal fraternity.

The celebrations then moved inside to Courtroom 5 where songman Thiramayinj explained each of the dances performed by Mura Biri Gururu.

Karntu Marlinj (left) and Songman Thiramayinj of Mura Biri Gururu perform in Courtroom 5 at the Toowoomba Courthouse during NAIDOC Week celebrations.

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Toowoomba Murri Court is a highly respected court system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Darling Downs region.

Performing at the courthouse are (from left) Damon Miri Anderson, songman Thiramayinj and Karntu Marlinj of Mura Biri Gururu dance group. Picture: Peter Hardwick