When an indigenous woman was told she needed community support to have the Aboriginal flag fly permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, she went ahead and provided it.
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Kamilaroi woman Cheree Toka has spent more than three years lobbying the state government for the erection of the flag on Sydney's foremost landmark.
In November 2019 she lodged a petition to the government - which has now gained more than 150,000 signatures - showing solidarity with her campaign.
"(NSW Transport Minister) Andrew Constance was so supportive of the issue and really backed having the flag permanently erected," Ms Toka told AAP this week.
"But then he later came back and said he can't erect a third flag pole and it's too costly ... which was such a slap in the face."
Ms Toka is now crowdfunding the cost of erecting a permanent flag pole, which has been estimated at about $300,000.
"If cost is a factor stopping them from raising the flag, which I don't think it is, we'll raise the money ourself," she said.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the department recognised the importance of Aboriginal culture and heritage but the bridge could not fit a third permanent flag pole.
"There are two flag poles on the Sydney Harbour Bridge located on the eastern and western end of the bridge summit," a Transport for NSW spokesperson told AAP in a statement on Friday.
"Between these two flag poles is an aircraft navigational beacon tower which is required so that the bridge is visible to aircraft."
Ms.Toka is undaunted in her campaign.
"To me the Aboriginal flag isn't just a symbol, it's a reminder this country has history beyond European arrival.
"It forms part of my connection to country and I want my children to grow up feeling safe and cultured in this country."
Each year the Aboriginal flag is flown in place of the NSW state flag during National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee week, Reconciliation Week, and on Australia Day and the anniversary of the apology to the stolen generations.
This makes up about 19 days of the year.
Australian Associated Press
