Kevin Albury Honoured

KEVIN Albury was posthumously honoured at today’s NAIDOC day ceremony at Scone’s Upper Hunter Shire Council building.

Mr Albury was described as a gentle giant by Aunty Jean Hands, the Chair of the Wonnarua Land Council.

Aunty Jean Hands giving Caitlin Albury, granddaughter of Kevin Albury the certificate of recognition.

“I remember when I started as a health worker here 21 years ago and Mr Albury was such a kind and gentle man,” said Ms Hands.

“He was an elder who lived in the Scone community and when he traveled backwards and forwards to Queensland he was always sorely missed,” she said.

“I remember helping him try and get a birth certificate and I’m not sure he ever got it,” she said.

“He was a well respected man both within the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community and deserving of this recognition,” she said.

The Albury family gathered at the ceremony and Amanda Albury said the description of her grandfather as a gentle giant rang true.

“He was a pretty amazing man and he would have been pleased to know he was recognised,” said Ms Albury.

“It was special growing up here in Scone with him, just having my grandparents down the road,” she said.

“It’s not until you are older that you realise how special that is,” said Amanda Albury.

Indigenous dance group Wakagetti performed at the NAIDOC ceremony: Waylon Boney with dancers Tyrell Roadley, Kobi Crowe, Dennis Milgate and Jackson Crowe.

The Albury’s were originally from Rockhampton in Queenland and are part of the Garingbal people.

Amanda said she felt special growing up in Scone as an Aboriginal.

“I didn’t think we were different, but I felt special,” said Ms Albury.

“We were the only Aboriginals in town, but we were not treated any differently,” she said.

“I do remember when I was in year 7 a boy in class was talking about how lazy Aboriginals were and Lauren Shaw stood up and said that Mr Albury was Aboriginal and was a really nice man,” she said.

“It is nice to be involved here today and be here on Pop’s behalf,” Amanda Albury said.

The Indigenous dance group Wakagetti performed at the ceremony, telling stories from the dream time.

Other NAIDOC activities:

• Indigenous celebration at Scone Youth Centre – July 9. Scone Youth Centre will be hosting a free celebration, Youth Stomp, where Indigenous DJs and musicians perform poetry and storytelling through songs from 5pm to 8pm. All Upper Hunter young people aged 12 years and over are invited to this drug and alcohol free event and transport to and from Murrurundi and Merriwa will be available.
• Weaving Magic – 19 and 20 July. Weaving Magic workshops will teach Indigenous crafts to school children and seniors. The workshops will be run by Gamilaroi elder Dolly Jerome and her partner Paul on 19 July in Merriwa and 20 July in Murrurundi, at Gummun Place, Liverpool Lodge and schools.