Dear Editor,
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cessnock High School would like to take this opportunity to thank the warm and friendly community members of Moree.
Last week we travelled to Moree for the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Ride.
As a school we valued this event and felt compelled to travel the long distance and pay our respect to the original members of the Freedom Rides.
In the spirit of the Freedom Ride and reconciliation our students were from Year 7 to Year 12 with a mixture of Aboriginal and non-indigenous students.
The Moree community opened their doors and hearts to us and we felt welcomed and a sense of belonging.
We would like to pay particular respect to the Elders that told their stories: Aunt Anna Duncan, Aunt Christine Swan, Aunt Stella Duncan, Uncle Alf Duncan, Uncle Bomma Duncan, Uncle Garry Duncan and Aunty Tibby Duncan. Our thanks extend also to other community members including Cathy Duncan, Linden McGrady, Angie McDonald, Glen Crump and Michelle Tighe.
Our students developed their understanding of their Aboriginality and pride in their culture. Jayden Herring Year 7 CHS student commented, “I felt more involved in my culture and like I was part of the Moree community”. Janayah Lake, president of the CHS junior AECG stated, “Coming on this trip made me feel at home with people who share the same culture and I didn’t fell judged by my people”.
Bec Bell CHS staff member reflects on the trip: “I was honoured to stand and march with such a proud and strong group of students. They represented our school with pride, dignity and a strong sense of culture. It was great to see their eyes open when learning about the history of Moree and the Freedom Riders.”
From the bottom of our hearts the staff and students from Cessnock High School are honoured to have participated in this prestige and significant event.
Chantal Duncan
Cessnock High School