The Cherbourg community came together in force to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC last week.
Scores of Cherbourg locals as well as Burnett service providers gathered at ANZAC Memorial Park on Tuesday 8 July for Cherbourg’s community NAIDOC celebrations.
The year 2025 marks 50 years since the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee launched its annual week of celebrating the voices and cultures of Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
Speaking at his town’s event, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council deputy mayor Gordon Wragge said NAIDOC Week was more than just a time to gather and be merry.
“Let us remember that NAIDOC Week is not just a celebration,” Cr Wragge said.
“It’s a call to action – a call to listen to First Nations voices, to support self-determination and to work together for more than just an equitable future.”
He called on Cherbourg’s locals to “stand up, speak out and show up” for their community and culture, especially given this year’s NAIDOC Week theme of ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’.
Following a round of speeches and the cutting of a celebratory cake, Cherbourg went on to crown its 2025 NAIDOC Community Award winners.
A total of nine people across seven categories received hand-painted boomerang trophies created by local artist Sharlece Fisher.
The winners of each category are:
Special Achievement Awards – Cathryn Sullivan and Richard Gadd
Encouragement Awards – Julian Saltner Jr and Karen Jacobs
Volunteer in the Community – Dorothy Bird
Organisation Serving the Community – Cherbourg Wellbeing
Youth of the Community – Koby Douglas
Honorary Award – Sam Murray
Person of the Community – Elizabeth O’Chin
