The Aboriginal flag will fly alongside the Australian flag all year round after it was raised by Dja Dja Wurrung senior elder, Graham Atkinson and Hepburn Shire mayor Kate Redwood in front of a crowd of about 150 people on Sunday.

The ceremony coincided with the beginning of NAIDOC Week.

Cr Redwood said raising the flag above the town hall was highly symbolic for the Dja Dja Wurrung land and the Aboriginal people of the shire in general.

“It is interesting to note that Dja Dja Wurrung country covers 12 municipalities and we are the second shire after Bendigo to permanently raise the flag,” she said. 

“That is something I am extremely proud of. It is part of the healing process for reconciliation of the first people. This acknowledgement is very significant.”

Mr Atkinson and ‘Aunty’ Faye Carter wore traditional possum skins for the official welcoming address, while Dja Dja Wurrung member Trent Nelson conducted a symbolic smoking ceremony.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation chairman, Rodney Carter said it was good to see a range of people from the broader community attend and share in the day.

Long-time campaigner to have a flag erected in Daylesford, Sissy Austin also spoke on behalf of the non-Dja Dja Wurrung community.

“Sissy gave an address that covered the more broader social issues of Aboriginal people in the community,” Mr Carter said.

“Flag raising is symbolic for lots of communities across the state and country for NAIDOC Week, but we are pretty proud of the fact that this will remain all year round.”

Mr Carter said having the Aboriginal flag visually noticeable above the town hall was important for maintaining culture.

“For Aboriginal people that see it flying above the town hall, I think it instils pride and that doesn't cost a thing,” he said.

“This is a major step for the people of Dja Dja Wurrung.”

Adding an additional flag pole to the building was no easy feat according to Cr Redwood.

Hepburn Shire Council had to arrange for the existing flag pole to be moved across from the middle of the roof, organise additional lighting and bring in a crane to position the new flag pole.

Cr Redwood said the shire also had to comply with protocol regarding Dja Dja Wurrung, Australia Government’s rules for flags and the heritage of the town hall building.

“It sounds simple just adding an extra flag, but it was very complicated,” she said.

“It was paid for out of last year’s budget, the flag pole was about $1500 plus trades, but it is certainly money well spent.

"This council first introduced acknowledgement of land in 2003 and all councillors were in support of adding the Aboriginal flag.”