Generation Honoured At Elders Evening

An annual evening to honour the region’s elders was held recently, hosted by Atsichs Mackay Ltd and supported by the Department of Justice.

Murri Court Coordinator and Event Organiser Veronica Ah-Wang said it was a night to celebrate the elders and let them enjoy a night away from any responsibilities.

“It’s a way to look after them and appreciate who they are,” she said.

“Our elders are our knowledge keepers and it’s up to the younger generation to tap into that.

“Our older generation, they’re passing, they’re taking all that knowledge with them and if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here.

“Our elders are very important people, and they need to be respected in that way.”

It was the event’s third iteration but the first year a Mrs and Mr Naidoc were crowned for their services to the community, with Mrs Merle Barba and Mr Albert “Butch” Lingwoodock receiving the honours.

“Uncle Butch does a lot of things in community and after hours; for a lot of the elderly who can’t get around, he’ll go and get their medications and stuff like that,” explained Ms Ah-Wang.

“Aunty Merle was a big advocate back in the day for housing, the medical centres and things like that.

“When she was awarded her award, she gave recognition to the elders who couldn’t be there.”

Ms Ah-Wang is looking forward to the evening getting bigger and better with each year.

“I personally would like to thank each and every one of the elders who attended on the night and all the elders that were nominated,” she said.

“It just goes to show that the community does respect these elders who were put forward.”

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Mrs and Mr Naidoc Merle Barba and Albert “Butch” Lingwoodock

Photo credit: SarahHearts Photography