By Lana Eather

In dappled daylight beneath the gum trees twenty babies were welcomed in the annual ‘Welcome to Baby’ ceremony conducted in the Wiradjuri Park, Dubbo. Ralph Naden performed a traditional smoking ceremony while parents and carers made written promises to their children. The promises were then buried beneath potted plants for the families to retain.

The 'Welcome to Baby' ceremony began in 2017, and has been joined by a book Welcome to Baby written, designed and funded by LiveBetter Indigenous Advancement Strategy, Buninyong and Dubbo West Schools as Community Centres. TAFE students from the Dubbo campus were also involved in translating the text into the Wiradjuri language. The book has been illustrated with gorgeous paintings by Brooke Sullivan. Brooke has been making art “for as long as she can remember. Family is very important.” The book, as well as donated items such as baby blankets, are supplied to families participating in ‘Welcome to Baby’. This year the ceremony included children from birth to five years old, and all their family members.

The ceremony is a combined effort of LiveBetter, Buninyong and Dubbo West Schools as Community Centres. They welcome all recently-and-soon-to-be-born babies to join next year’s event.