NAIDOC Week was launched at Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Corporation (GEGAC) on Monday with a flag raising and Welcome Baby to Country celebration.
GEGAC interim chief executive officer, Josh Tuiono, recognised this year's theme - For Our Elders - saying they have played and continue to play an integral role in Indigenous culture and life. 
"Our elders are our cultural knowledge holders, advocates, teaches, survivors, leaders and hard workers," he said.
"They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world.

IMAGE: Mingara Wandin and baby Lindari are welcomed to country by Elder Aunty Helen Morgan at the NAIDOC flag raising and Welcome Baby to Country ceremony at GEGAC on Monday. (PS)