Liam McNally
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are now permanently raised outside Bacchus Marsh Police station.
Bacchus Marsh police station hosted a celebration on Wednesday, October 2 which saw the raising of the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag alongside the Victorian and Australian flag already on display.
Bacchus Marsh Police Station Senior Sergeant Jen Horgan said it was a “significant” day for the station.
“It’s just about strengthening partnerships and building trust and confidence with our local Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” she said.
“We’re really passionate that all communities should feel safe and supported by police, and I think having the flags up at our police station now permanently is that visual reminder that we want to walk alongside our community and we want to improve the police services that we give to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The event began with a Welcome To Country hosted by Wurundjuri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO, before a Smoking Ceremony and didgeridoo performance.
Speeches were given by assistant police commissioner Michael Grainger, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative manager Shu Brown, and Moorabool Mayor Tom Sullivan.
The four flags were then raised in unison before more performances including songs by Deb Clark and Uncle Jack Walker, and the Students of Bacchus Marsh Primary performing the Dance of Connection to Country.
Sgt Horgan said the day had been planned for some time, and that they had consulted with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community about what they wanted from the day and what it should look like.
She said seeing Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Laila Rind join Uncle Jack Walker on stage to sing along was a “really special moment.”
