NAIDOC Week is a significant occasion in Australia, where the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are celebrated. This year, Tomago Aluminium is embracing the spirit of NAIDOC Week by hosting a special BBQ lunch and smoking ceremony to honour its indigenous heritage.
It’s also an opportunity to honour a sacred tree stump that was discovered on the smelter’s site more than four decades ago. The tree stump, from which ancient aborigines cut a ceremonial shield, holds great cultural significance and was discovered on the grounds of Tomago back in 1982.
The Raymond Terrace Historical Society initially brought attention to its presence during the construction of the Tomago Aluminium smelter. The tree stump was preserved and honoured during a special ceremony that involved aboriginal children from the Awabakal Culture Centre.
A dedication plaque was also placed at the foot of the tree stump to describe its history in the aboriginal Kattang (Port Stephens) mother tongue, with an English translation. The plaque serves as a lasting testament to the tree stump’s cultural significance, ensuring that future generations will be aware of its important meaning.
