Aboriginal elders reveal what they think about Lidia Thorpe’s antics as they meet King Charles in Sydney
King Charles, 75, was welcomed by elders from the National Center of Indigenous Excellence, including those from the Sydney region and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
He was met by an elder Allan Murray from the local Metropolitan Aboriginal land council, who referred to Lidia Thorpe’s outburst at Parliament House on Monday.
“Welcome to the country,” he said.
“We have stories to tell and I think you saw that story in Canberra yesterday, but the story is steadfast and we still have a long way to go to achieve what we want to achieve and that is our own sovereignty. But welcome to Gadigal land.”
Charles nodded as Allan spoke.
Allan welcomed him to the center and said: ‘We are a proud sovereign people’.
Another took out a lighter to start the smoking ceremony.
The King said: ‘I was in the Bush in Victoria in 1966 trying to get the fire going but that was a problem because we didn’t have one.’
King Charles, 75, was welcomed by elders from the National Center of Indigenous Excellence, including those from the Sydney region and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organizations
Meanwhile, the Queen was inducted into the Order of the Teaspoon for helping to serve professional chef food to vulnerable customers
He waved the smoke that signified a welcome to the native land.
The King was received by Ms Jody Broun, CEO of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and Leon Donovan, Regional Manager, NSW and ACT National Indigenous Australians Agency.
King Charles also met Aunt-in-Residence NCIE and local Aboriginal elder, ‘Auntie’ Beryl Van Opploo, who demonstrated traditional food preparation techniques.
Speaking about the protest in parliament, Beryl said: ‘Everyone has choices, but I come from a different era.
‘Personally, I grew up with it and lived with it. We always protested and did all that when I was younger, but not in a mean way.
‘People have choices and my parents raised me with respect.’
In the sports hall, The King was impressed by a dance performance by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Then he greeted the dancers, tried to jump in the air himself and said, ‘I thought that would be a good exercise. I don’t think I can do that anymore at my age.’
He also spoke to Gamay Rangers and members of the Inner City Empowered Communities Group, which provides services to local First Nations communities in Sydney.
And spoke privately with some First Nations Elders.
The National Center of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) is a not-for-profit social enterprise, building solid foundations and a solid future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Established in 2006, NCIE aims to build capacity and create opportunities with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. NCIE’s programs, services and businesses are designed for the sole purpose of creating long-term improvements in well-being.
Meanwhile, the Queen was inducted into the Order of the Teaspoon for helping to serve professional chef food to vulnerable customers.
King Charles watched a performance by members of the indigenous community during his visit to the National Center for Indigenous Excellence
When King Charles arrived in the center on Tuesday, a traditional smoking ceremony took place
The Queen scattered herbs and edible flowers during lunch at Sydney’s Refettorio OzHarvest, which rescues food that would otherwise be thrown away to create restaurant-quality dishes for those in need.
The Queen called it a “wonderful idea” and “incredible” as she entered the kitchen to take instructions from the chefs.
Founder Ronni Khan told her the cafe was designed to “not just feed the belly, but feed the soul.”
After helping prepare lunch and asking the chefs about the ingredients, she sat down at a long table to eat with the customers.
Locals can be referred to the café, come with the help of charities, or make a reservation, eat a three-course meal for free in the café. It is funded by donations and an $80 meal on Thursday evenings, which helps pay for meals for the rest of the week.
The Queen also met staff and volunteers and shouted ‘one man!’ when she met the only man who joked that he was the “best barista.”
“What brought you here?” she asked the team members, wondering if part of it was “all that delicious food!”
‘Can you tell me what we’re having?’ she asked a fellow diner, gesturing that she wasn’t wearing her glasses.
It was crispy potato hash with fermented chili, preserved pepperonata, Persian feta, green zhoug, heirloom tomato and house picks, made from food that would otherwise be thrown away.
Before the group began eating, Mrs. Khan presented the Queen with a brooch in the shape of a teaspoon, topped with a crown.
She explained the concept: that in the event of a forest fire there are three ways to respond: run away, complain or find water.
Queen Camilla is presented with a teaspoon after a visit to OzHarvest
Ideally, she said, you would find a bucket, if not a jug, and if that doesn’t work a teaspoon, and if everyone had a teaspoon of water, that would make a difference.
“I am very honored to accompany you,” said the queen, receiving her brooch. “It’s a very important mission to be a part of.”
She then asked her lunch companions how often they came for lunch. She said, “You’re definitely looking forward to it,” and called it a “wonderful experience.”
The food is sourced and distributed with help from leading food rescue organizations OzHarvest, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and Food for Soul.
Outside, hundreds of locals had gathered to see the royal visitor and the Queen took an impromptu stroll.
Among those she met was the nine-year-old parrot Caeser, and she kept saying “hello Caeser” to him while he remained mute.
“He’s become camera shy,” the queen joked, before cheers went up from the crowd when the parrot finally said “hello” back.