BALLARAT’S indigenous community has taken heart in the decision to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag over Victoria’s Parliament House.
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Officially proclaimed by the speaker and president of the Parliament, the announcement was made on Tuesday and received bi-partisan support.
Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive officer Karen Heap said the decision was fantastic news for Victoria’s indigenous community. “It’s a milestone. There’s a feeling that we’re finally being recognised and a feeling of pride and also acceptance.”
Local indigenous artist Josh Muir said while it would have been good to have the flag flown at Parliament House from the get-go, it was better late than never. “Now you can see the flag and you can remember our predecessors and how far we’ve come since then.”
Previously, the Aboriginal flag was flown to mark special occasions like NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week, but will now be flown permanently beside the Australian and Victorian flags.