The Victoria State Government of Australia permanently raises the Aboriginal flag above Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge, recognizing its importance as a symbol of unity, identity and resilience for the Aboriginal people of Victoria.
This happens less than a month after the New South Wales government announced that the iconic flag would fly over the Sydney Harbor Bridge by the end of the year.
For the past four years, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ flags have flown around the Westgate Bridge during the Week of Reconciliation and NAIDOC. The latter is now being celebrated.
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Compliance Committee) Week is held annually in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
At the end of this year’s NAIDOC Week on July 10, the Aboriginal flag remains on the bridge and work is currently underway to investigate the possibility of flying the Torres Strait Islanders and Victoria flags next to the Aboriginal and Australian flags. in progress.
Road Minister Ben Carroll and the Treaty and First People’s Minister Gabrielle Williams announced a new flag arrangement on Monday after obtaining permission from traditional owners.
Carroll was released on Monday, West Gate Bridge is one of Melbourne’s most prominent landmarks, with thousands of drivers using the bridge every day proudly flying the Aboriginal flag over the city. Said you can see.
“We continue to look at ways to fly the Torres Strait Islanders and the Victorian flag over the West Gate Bridge at some point in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelly Lehmann, Chairman of the Bunulongland Council Aboriginal Corporation, said, “The Aboriginal flag represents inclusiveness, recognition and respect, and it is permanently hung above the Westgate Bridge in Victoria. It demonstrates this commitment to the Aboriginal community. “
Aboriginal flag flying over Sydney Harbor Bridge by the end of the year
The New South Wales (NSW) government has promised to raise the Aboriginal flag above the Sydney Harbor Bridge by the end of the year.
New South Wales Prime Minister Dominic Perrott said on June 19 that raising the Aboriginal flag along with the flags of Australia and New South Wales is a meaningful gesture and part of the state. rice field. Fill the gap Initiative.
“Our indigenous history should be blessed and acknowledged so that young Australians can understand the rich and lasting culture we have here with the past,” he said. Said.
“Permanent installation of the Aboriginal Flag on the Sydney Harbor Bridge does just that and is a continuation of the healing process as part of a broader move towards reconciliation.”
The flagpole is about the same height as a 6-story building with a height of 20 meters, but the flag itself is about 9 meters x 4.5 meters and requires an attachment strong enough to withstand all possible weather conditions. ..
The government has announced that the project will cost $ 25 million. This is what Perotet has agreed to consider in response to the backlash over exorbitant price tags.
He told 2GB radio on June 20 that all three flagpoles on the bridge had to be replaced, construction was complex and there were concerns about heritage to deal with, but the cost was “quite ridiculous. I agreed to be “outside”.
“I was surprised at that, and I sit down and walk in line to ensure that NSW taxpayers get the value of the money,” Perotet said.
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Steve is a Sydney-based Australian reporter with sports, arts and politics. He is an experienced English teacher, a qualified nutritionist, a sports enthusiast, and an amateur musician. Contact him at [email protected].