GALLERY: BUSHkids Warwick hosts NAIDOC Elders morning tea, native tree planting ceremony

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme of keep the fire burning was on show in the Southern Downs as community elders gathered to help pass on culture and heritage to the next emerging generation. Here’s what it means.

NAIDOC 2024’s theme of keeping the fire burning was well and truly on show as the Rose City celebrated the oldest continuing culture in the world.

At BUSHkids Warwick, the elder’s morning tea was a chance for Indigenous community members to catch up, have a yarn and a cuppa, and tour the native garden at the centre.

Three elders, June Speedy, Margaret Boney and Faye Hicks planted a native lemon myrtle tree at the garden, which features native herbs, Indigenous artwork and stories in an effort to preserve the local stories to children of all backgrounds.

Elders June Speedy, Margaret Boney and Faye Hicks planting a lemon myrtle tree at NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

It’s another example of this year’s NAIDOC theme – keep the fire burning – honouring the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations’ culture, fire being a symbol of connection to Country and to each other.

Githabul woman Delphine Charles said the theme was a great way for Indigenous people to show pride in their continuing culture, which is still being passed on to emerging generations.

“It’s the oldest living culture in the world, one of the ways we can connect is by walking on Country, putting your feet on the earth and you can feel the connection – it’s like electricity running through you,” Ms Charles said.

Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement’s Sarah Boney said it can be difficult for Indigenous people to connect to Country in the modern world while working, but the ladies adapt by going for a walk, enjoying fresh air, or even just having a yarn.

Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement workers Sarah Boney and Delphine Charles celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024. July 9, 2024.

“Keeping our stories and culture alive and continuing to pass it down to those emerging is so important,” Ms Boney said.

BUSHkids’ garden play area is paramount to not only ensuring those traditions and stories are passed on to First Nation’s children, but all Australians.

“With kids it sticks in their minds the longer you teach them, they’re helping keep our culture alive too, and BUSHkids are so willing to get involved with cultural events,” Kerry-Lyn Charles said.

“Teaching our kids, co-workers, and friends our language, stories is how we keep the fire burning, by continually sharing them, they are alive, the passion and drive to know is the real fire,” Ms Boney said.

“We need to celebrate the culture, it is there for everyone to celebrate,” she said.

However at times it can be difficult for some aspects of culture to be passed on, with some elders being hesitant to share that with the emerging generations due to historical trauma.

“It was suppressed, they weren’t allowed to talk the language – basically they couldn’t be Aboriginal, I think there’s that fear stage still inside them,” Kerry-Lyn Charles said.

“NAIDOC is about instilling our history and culture for everyone. A lot of time, Country just wants you to go home,” Ms Boney said.

“Our ancestors walk with us everyday, and they never go, that is always with us.”

NAIDOC Week gallery

Punters learn about native herbs at BUSHkids Warwick for NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Native herbs at BUSHkids Warwick’s garden for NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Native herbs at BUSHkids Warwick’s garden for NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Elders June Speedy, Margaret Boney and Faye Hicks planting a lemon myrtle tree at NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Elders June Speedy, Margaret Boney and Faye Hicks planting a lemon myrtle tree at NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Elders June Speedy, Margaret Boney and Faye Hicks planting a lemon myrtle tree at NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Elders June Speedy, Margaret Boney and Faye Hicks planting a lemon myrtle tree at NAIDOC Week, July 9, 2024.

Originally published as GALLERY: BUSHkids Warwick hosts NAIDOC Elders morning tea, native tree planting ceremony