NAIDOC Week speech moves audience

Tyrone Bean, Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian, spoke at Council’s Flag Raising Ceremony during NAIDOC Week on July 10. He spoke to this year’s theme - Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud.

Tyrone said as we gather here to celebrate NAIDOC Week, we embrace the powerful theme, "Keeping the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud."

“This theme resonates deeply within our hearts, symbolizing the enduring spirit and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mr Bean said.

“It is a call to honour our rich cultural heritage, to stand tall and united, and to ensure that our traditions and stories continue to thrive for generations to come. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the cultural fires that have illuminated our paths for thousands of years.

“In today's world, being Blak, Loud and Proud means embracing our identity with confidence and celebrating our unique heritage.

“It is about raising our voices to be heard, ensuring that our stories are told, and our rights are respected. It is about standing together as a community, supporting one another, and fostering an environment where our youth can thrive.

“By nurturing a sense of pride in our culture, we empower the next generation to walk boldly in their ancestors' footsteps, armed with the knowledge and strength to shape a future where our traditions and contributions are recognised and celebrated.

“Being Blak, Loud and Proud also doesn't mean that we need to be out the front shouting all the time. I acknowledge that there are so many community members working on the front line for generations that will never get the chance to share their story but want them to know that I, we see them and without their lifelong work, we would not be here today.

“Lastly, a toast to our elders who are present today, thank you for all that you have and continue to do. I would like you to know that we are standing on the shoulders of the giants before us, your shoulders. That I and my peers would not be where we are today if it wasn't for your lifelong work. And that you now can enjoy your cuppa because there is an incredible wave of young mob, my peers who are ready to take the mantle and run a bit further. I want you to know that with your guidance, together, we are keeping the fire burning, ensuring that our culture continues to thrive and that our voices are heard, now and always.”

About Tyrone:

In my professional life, I have tried to forge a new path in the Western world in the form of one Bachelor's Degree and two Master's Degrees including the most colonised degree you can study, an MBA. I quickly learned that if I don't have a seat at the table or even an invitation into the room, I must make my own path to get there. I have strived to be a vocal advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and representation. I have taken on leadership roles in various organisations, using my platform to amplify the voices of our community and address issues that affect us. Whether through public speaking engagements, writing articles, or participating in policy discussions, I have made it my mission to be Blak, Loud and Proud. By sharing our stories and highlighting our achievements, I aim to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of our culture within the broader society.

Beyond my personal and professional endeavours, I have also committed myself to mentoring and supporting our youth. Recognising that the future of our culture lies in their hands, I have been involved in educational programs and initiatives designed to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. By providing guidance, resources, and opportunities for growth, I hope to inspire them to embrace their identity with confidence and pride.