Aboriginal Flag Will Permanently Fly On Sydney Harbour Bridge By The End Of The Year
The Aboriginal flag will soon have a permanent spot on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The NSW government committed $25 million (£14 million) to install a third flagpole by the end of the year in an important step towards Closing the Gap.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet revealed the change in his 2022-23 budget announcement.
"Our Indigenous history should be celebrated and acknowledged so young Australians understand the rich and enduring culture that we have here with our past," Perrottet said in a statement.
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"Installing the Aboriginal flag permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge will do just that and is a continuation of the healing process as part of the broader move towards reconciliation."
The flagpoles that sit on top of Australia’s most iconic bridge sit at about 20 metres high, which is the same as a six-storey building.
The flags also require a special attachment strong enough to withstand all weather conditions.
Transport for NSW and Aboriginal Affairs will engage with key Aboriginal stakeholders about the installation of the new flagpole.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward dubbed the addition of a third flagpole as 'a momentous occasion'.
“Bounded by the Countries of Cammeraygal and Gadigal clan groups, the bridge connects our city, north and south, providing a crucial link to thousands of commuters and sightseers every day,” she said, as per an online statement.
“This is a momentous occasion in NSW history and whilst installing the third flagpole is complex, I look forward to seeing all three flags flying on the bridge by the end of 2022.”
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Franklin said permanently flying the Indigenous flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an important part of acknowledging Australia’s First Nations people.
“I am so excited we are one step closer to the Aboriginal flag finally being flown on the Sydney Harbour Bridge permanently, 365 days a year, seven days a week,” he said, as per a government statement.
“We are incredibly proud to be working in partnership with Aboriginal stakeholders on both symbolic and practical reconciliation.”
The NSW Government also announced a $401 million (£227 million) investment over four years to prioritise Closing the Gap and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across the state.
In the state budget announcement the Premier also revealed that NSW will spend $100 million (£56.7 million) to make the state safer for women and young girls, including upgrading lighting and CCTV in public places.
Rachel Lang