Tuesday 25 May 2010

Cairns Council to raise flags for reconciliation tomorrow

It would never happen under former Cairns Mayor Kevin Byne. That's the inference Mayor Schier is giving as she prepares to raise the two significant Aboriginal flags from Council offices this week.

Tomorrow the Cairns Regional Council will fly the flags of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island for National Reconciliation Day and National Sorry Day at council’s offices in Spence Street, Cairns and also in Mossman.

Schier has called the flag-raising an 'historical first for Cairns.'

“I am honoured to be the Mayor who will finally raise the flags and see them fly over Council’s office on this important day,” Mayor Val Schier says. “It is imperative that each year our community acknowledge the impact of the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.”

National Sorry Day was first held on 26 May 1998, one year after the tabling of the Bringing them Home report which detailed the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The report recommended that a National Sorry Day be declared on the anniversary.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the ceremony from 7am Wednesday in Cairns. The Mossman service is at 12.30pm in Front Street.

“I urge all members of our community to join us in remembering and reflecting on this significant day on Australia’s history," Val Schier says.

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