Balo Street was a sea of red, yellow and black on Monday, as more than a hundred people took to the streets to officially launch 2019 NAIDOC Week celebrations.
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Children led this year's march from the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, where participants enjoyed a morning tea, to Town Hall, where the week was officially opened.
Moree elder Val Pitt delivered the Welcome to Country, acknowledging the ancestors who have laid a strong foundation for the younger generation.
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"I welcome you all and hope you all have a great NAIDOC Week and remember the voice of the treaty says it is truth," she said.
Voice Treaty Truth is the theme for this year's NAIDOC Week, which Moree Aboriginal Interagency chair Glen Crump said is about creating change for a better future.
"We invite you to walk with us in a movement of Australian people for a better future," he said.
"With 2019 being celebrated as the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, it's time for our knowledge to be heard through our voice.
"For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have looked for significant and lasting change."
Mr Crump said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia's democracy, with a treaty the goal.
However, he said lasting and effective agreement "cannot be achieved unless we have a shared, truthful understanding of the nature of the dispute, of the history, of how we got to where we stand".
"The true story of colonisation must be told, must be heard, must be acknowledged," he said.
"Then we can move forward together. Let's work together for a shared future for everyone. State, federal and local government, it's time for action and not just talk."
Moree Plains Shire Council general manager Lester Rodgers said NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.
"It's an opportunity to celebrate, to recognise and move forward together and I think the committee has done a wonderful job in organising the marvellous array of events that we can all avail ourselves of and I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can at the events," he said.
The Miyay Birray UPstART Aboriginal dance group performed for the crowd during the opening.
Following the flag raising, the community made their way to Kirkby Park for a barbecue lunch.
NAIDOC Week events will continue over the next fortnight.
