The first section of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange was officially opened on Friday, June 23, and I had the pleasure of joining the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, in performing the ribbon-cutting.
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But before that ceremonial action took place, there was another important custom to be observed.
The new section of road was cleansed with a smoking ceremony, in accordance with Aboriginal tradition.
The ceremony was performed by a local Elder, Uncle Bill Smith, who acknowledged the traditional owners of the land, provided a blessing on those present and invoked the spirits to keep users of the road safe.
It was a simple and moving ceremony that demonstrated the respect Indigenous people have for the land.
Lake Macquarie City Council will host another smoking ceremony at our Administration Building at Speers Point on Tuesday, July 4, to mark Naidoc Week, the annual national celebration of the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Lake Macquarie has a significant Indigenous community with a strong sense of cultural identity and local Naidoc celebrations are always vibrant and inclusive events.
You can find more information on events on our Media Centre at lakemac.com.au.
