Campbelltown and indeed the Macarthur region are rich in First Nations peoples’ culture and stories.
Then there’s the vital services provided by Indigenous community organisations such as Tharawal and Briar Road Public School, both in Airds.
We all knew that, but now so does Linda Burney, the federal Labor MP who could become Australia’s next Minister for Indigenous Australians.
Ms Burney was given first hand experience of Indigenous culture on Monday as guest of fellow Labor MP, the Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander.
Her visit came at the conclusion of NAIDOC Week – when the spotlight is on our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
Dr Freelander and Ms Burney visited Tharawal Aboriginal Land Corporation in Airds and Briar Road Public School, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and students alike.
“Our First Nation’s peoples have a proud history in Macarthur and I am delighted to have our Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, out here today to see it first hand,” Dr Freelander said.
At Tharawal, Ms Burney and Dr Freelander were welcomed by CEO Uncle Daryl Wright, as well as Uncle Ivan Wellington, who performed a traditional smoking ceremony for the guests from Canberra.
Ms Burney and Dr Freelander then met with staff to discuss Tharawal’s important community work, including their health care programs that focus on immunisation and dental care, as well as those that assist Indigenous men and women gain valuable work experience and employment.
At Briar Road Public they were welcomed by school principal Tammy Anderson and student leaders, who took them on a tour.
This included visiting classes where students proudly spoke of their Indigenous heritage.
In one class, Ms Burney and Dr Freelander were given a warm Maori welcome by the students.
“The staff and students at Briar Road Public School are proud of their heritage, which we were fortunate to experience first hand when touring the school.” Dr Freelander said.
“Linda and I are very thankful for the warm welcome afforded to us by the Tharawal and Briar Road communities.”
