When new Australian citizens take the oath in Inverell, they will be presented with a symbol of the country’s oldest human history. Inverell Shire Council has purchased 20 copies of local Aboriginal poet Esther Gardiner’s book, Precious Memories of My Aboriginal Poetry Dreaming, to give new citizens during the naturalization ceremony.
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“I think it’s a privilege and honour, that as an Aboriginal person, that I can represent my Aboriginal people, and to welcome them to Australia,” Ms Gardiner said.
New citizens had traditionally been given medals when they assume citizenship in the ceremony, but Inverell deputy mayor Anthony Michael said they thought the council would reach toward their deepest roots present the collection of poetry.
“When Esther’s book became available, they decided it would be an opportunity now to share her poems and give something that’s really Australian, that they could learn of the Aboriginal culture,” he said.
The book was formally launched during the 2016 Sapphire City Festival.
Michèle Jedlicka
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