Aussies launch Aboriginal day

 THE Australian High Commission has launched the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee week in Port Moresby. 

The week is celebrated every July in Australia to showcase the history, culture and achievements of Aborigines and Torres Strait islanders.

The launch featured indigenous sport ambassador and member of the women’s rugby sevens team to the Pacific Games, Tanisha Stanton.  

Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes said: “The NAIDOC Week is a time to acknowledge our indigenous artists, scholars, sports people, elders, community members and more. We are delighted to have Tanisha with us and to hear about her journey as an elite athlete.”

Stanton is part of the Gamilaroi people who live between central north-west New South Wales to south-west Queensland.  

“The Australian Government is committed to better engagement with its indigenous peoples to ensure policies and programmes improve their lives and opportunities,” Stokes said.

“We proudly highlight and recognise the role they have played in shaping Australia’s identity and pause to reflect on their sacrifice.” 

Stanton said she was honoured to represent the country as an indigenous Australian in the Pacific Games.

“I hope that my participation will inspire other indigenous peoples to use every opportunity, whether it be sports or education, to reach their potential in life,” Stanton said.

“It is really wonderful and what it needs is support and sponsorship and encouragement that will motivate one.”