Footprints of Legacy Commemorative Event Held for NAIDOC Week
Published on 09 July 2025
Council's Footprints of Legacy NAIDOC Week event was held at the Sunset Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday July 8, with Councillor John Doyle giving one of the opening speeches.
Other speakers included Council's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee members Natasha Storey and Iziah Hartman; as well as Dolly Hankin; Valerie Craigie; and Kerry Major.
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to recognise and honour the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, families, and long-serving community members whose contributions helped shape Mount Isa by gathering to reflect, heal, and celebrate their stories of inter-generational service, cultural strength, and community legacy.
The event featured a Welcome to Country and opening prayer. There was also a community barbecue and community gathering, and information stalls from Gidgee Healing, Let's Yarn About Sleep, North and West Remote Health, and the North West Hospital and Health Service.
Attendees also took part in reflection with families and a sharing of stories.
Cr Doyle thanked the members of the RAP Committee for the work they did in organising and running the event.
"On behalf of Mount Isa City Council, we wish to recognise and acknowledge all First Nations employees, past and present, and the contributions they have made to the Mount Isa and Camooweal communities and to Council itself," Cr Doyle said.
"With more than 25 First Nations employees – many with inter-generational ties to the region and the cemetery site – Mount Isa City Council, through its newly formed RAP Committee, identified this commemorative event as a priority for reconciliation and cultural recognition."
He said the theme of this year's NAIDOC Week - "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" - called on all of us to reflect on those who had come before, and to continue their legacy through action.
"This event offers a meaningful opportunity to recognise the inter-generational service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and long-serving community members who helped build Mount Isa," Cr Doyle said.
"The RAP Committee was established earlier this year and includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and non-Indigenous allies from key Council departments, such as Infrastructure Services, Community Development, Local Laws, Water & Sewer, and Waste Services. Importantly, it's not a symbolic group, but an active working committee that aims to guide the Reflect RAP, coordinate internal resources, and lead initiatives that strengthen cultural visibility and connection across Council and the community."