“Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.”

That’s the chant that rang out across the Newcastle CBD on Monday morning (3 July) as hundreds marched from Civic Park to Foreshore Park to begin NAIDOC Week 2023 celebrations.

Gathering just before 9am at the War Memorial on King Street, friends and families, Elders and youngsters, supporters and colleagues all joined to pay their respects to the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

As young men played didgeridoos, the smoking ceremony began, an Aboriginal custom inviting guests to feel protected and cleansed while visiting on Country. 

Numbers soon swelled, and by the time the Town Hall Clock chimed 10am, hundreds of people filled the gathering space.

While many were dressed in clothing donned with Indigenous designs, others were draped in the Aboriginal flag, with some youngsters wearing traditional paint on their faces.

It was Awabakal’s Rod Smith who addressed the crowd with a humour and light-heartedness that set a tone of celebration and union.

Auntie Sheryl then offered her warmest welcome to all those gathered.

“Regardless of race, colour, creed or background, denomination you come from we’re all one. We stand together. We walk this land hand in hand,” she said.

“This is the great south land of the holy spirit and there’s a connection spiritually, for each and every one of us.

“Have a beautiful day. Welcome.”

The crowd was invited to cleanse using the smoke from the ceremonial fire if they’d come with heavy hearts, before political guest speakers were given a chance to share their thoughts.

City of Newcastle councillor Deahnna Richardson spoke of the former steel city’s trailblazing attributes within the Indigenous landscape.

“We are really proud at council to have a long history of standing with the Aboriginal community here,” she told the crowd.

“We were the first city to raise the Aboriginal flag over City Hall, under former Lord Mayor Joy Cummins, as well as hold a civic reception for the Aboriginal community at City Hall.”

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon reiterated past success but said more needed to be done.

“Because we’re not perfect and we haven’t got everything right, I want this city to also lead Australia in a really, really strong turnout on a very important question that’s going to put to each and every one of us in about 14 weeks,” she said.

“I commit today to ensuring that I don’t leave any stone unturned in trying to deliver a resounding yes voice for this nation.

“There’s a lot of noise around about the referendum and I’m available to take questions as are many other people.

“It’s a simple question being put to the Australian people, and the answer is yes.”

Indigenous spokesperson Dr Smith reflected on his own history of celebrating NAIDOC in Newcastle, a tradition local historians believe began with flag raising in the 1970s.

“We need to start moving back towards cultural frameworks where people are communicating and having good conversations with each other,” he said.

“I love marching and I love marching with my grandkids and my Elders, and it’s a very important thing this idea of marching with the little ones because you want to set the foundation for their future, and that is that half way is not enough.

“You’ve got to fight a genuine cause that leads us all together.”

This year’s NAIDOC theme is For Our Elders.

And, it was the Elder who partook in the raising of both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags.

After the official part of the celebrations came to a close the march began, with crowds crossing King Street and winding through Wheeler Place, travelling along Wharf Road to Customs House and eventually Foreshore Park.

Their arrival marked the beginning of what looked more like a carnival, with more than 100 tents, amusement rides, food vans, activities and a stage set to host a plethora of entertainment.

NAIDOC Week 2023

• Artist Saretta Fielding reflects on all things Country
• NAIDOC Week celebrations kick off in Newcastle
• Port Stephens gears up for NAIDOC Week 2023

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