13.01.2016 - 11:04
Australia Day organisers have pledged a greater focus on Indigenous events as part of this year’s festivities.
The program for the day was launched on Wednesday in Sydney’s Circular Quay to the backdrop of the Opera House, where pop stars like Jessica Mauboy and the Wiggles will sing.
A performance by the Mount Druitt Indigenous Choir and a smoking ceremony led by Aboriginal elder Uncle Max Eulo kicked off today’s launch.
Creative Director John Foreman said such events would feature on the day.
“The biggest change this year is that we’ve really tried to create more focus on the Indigenous ceremonies that are happening throughout the day,” Mr Foreman said.
The Mount Druitt Indigenous Choir perform at the Australia Day launch in Circular Quay.
PHOTO: The Mount Druitt Indigenous Choir performed at the Australia Day launch in Circular Quay. (ABC News: Jackson Vernon)
“I think it’s important to recognise that Australia Day is a complex day for Aboriginal people but the great thing that’s happened this year is that there has been wonderful engagement between the Australia Day Council and the Indigenous community.
