Cowra Celebrates NAIDOC Week

Cowra celebrated NAIDOC Week on Monday, with the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre bringing back the march to the main street. It was the first time in two years the march was able to happen, with COVID-19 restrictions stopping it last year.

Around 100 people turned out to the march, which went from Squire Park to River Park, and went ahead in a COVID-safe manner despite the reintroduction of some COVID restrictions.

“Goody” bags were handed out to children at the end of the march, which included Aboriginal art and craft, as well as food donated by Woolworths Cowra and Lynch’s Cookies.

With Cowra’s Aboriginal population being around 8%, CINC Manager Fran Stead, who organised the event, said it was important to recognise Aboriginal culture in Cowra.

“CINC represents all parts of the Cowra community, and we feel it’s very important to recognise our indigenous community for NAIDOC Week, which is why we arrange the march each year,” she said.

“We have a wonderful relationship with our indigenous community and we have indigenous board members and staff.

Fran said she had great feedback from the march, and said it had a great vibe after being cancelled last year.

“We had to adapt to make it a COVID-safe march, but it was great to see everyone out celebrating NAIDOC Week again,” she said.

A morning tea was originally sched-uled to precede the march in Squire Park, however this was cancelled in light of the restrictions. Participants were asked to wear masks and sign in to the event using a Service NSW contact tracing QR code. CINC will be sending out a survey to gage community interest on a date change to a warmer month next year.

• Topics:
• Community
• NAIDOC