BABIES WELCOMED INTO AWABAKAL COMMUNITY

An Aboriginal tradition, steeped in history, is being revived in Newcastle in a bid to strengthen cultural and social ties.

Babies were today welcomed into the Awabakal community, presented to elders and joining a smoking ceremony.

“It’s part of our Awabakal mums and bubs programme, this is the second year we’ve welcomed babies into our community and its about connecting them into our services, our medical services, pre-school and day care,” said Awabakal CEO Raylene Gordon.

30 babies were involved in the event, which coincides with National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s day.

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