Stepping stone to peace
Traditional welcome for event
THE region’s First Nations people will celebrate the arrival of the Queen’s Baton in Toowoomba this afternoon with a special ceremony which marks greater steps towards peace, harmony and reconciliation across the Darling Downs.
Representatives of about 50 Murri nations living in the city will gather at Gallery Park on the corner of Ruthven and Little Sts from about 3.30pm.
Traditional dancing and art will welcome the baton’s arrival and escort it through the park to the Civic Centre grass.
Indigenous elders will welcome the baton to the stage and Kyesha Stewart will sing the national anthem.
Healer Alan Martin from the Gunggari people said the event was conceived by members of many different First Nations people at yarning circles with discussions about how to give back to the community and support indigenous cultures.
Likewise, it was about always moving forward on the path to reconciliation and respect.
“It’s part of who we are,” he said.
“We are showing that we are getting stronger.
“We are always looking to grow, build and move forward in that (reconciliation and respect) area.
“This is another stepping stone in that direction.”
Mr Martin said the celebration was a collaborative effort of many different people who wanted to be part of the historic Commonwealth Games Queens Baton relay celebrations.
“It’s a real community thing,” Mr Martin said.
The celebration is open to the whole community.