NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for 2024, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” called on us to continue fighting for equality and to listen to our First Nations peoples as we move forward in our nation’s reconciliation journey. This year, our teams embraced the spirit of NAIDOC Week with enthusiasm and joy, participating in various events and activities. Here are some of our favourite moments from the celebrations:
A NAIDOC Week Disco for kids in Armidale
Our Armidale Foster Care team joined forces with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice to host a vibrant NAIDOC Week disco at Minimbah Primary School. The event was a spectacular success, featuring a traditional dance performance that captivated everyone in attendance. A photo booth added a touch of fun, while delicious pizza and cake ensured that no one went home hungry. The disco was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region and get to know each other better while enjoying some games and busting out some deadly dance moves!
We’re looking forward to an even bigger and better disco next year, so make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to be the first in line for a ticket.
Artistic Expression in Maitland
In Maitland, the Allied Health and Foster Care teams united for a creative painting workshop. Using native plants as their inspiration, team members created beautiful original artworks that reflected the natural beauty and cultural significance of the flora. The workshop was not only a chance to explore artistic talents but also a wonderful way to connect with the traditions and stories of the land, whilst reflecting on ways to continue embedding cultural safety practices into our service delivery and policies.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. As an organisation, we are continually striving towards improving our understanding of culture and making progress on our Reconciliation Action Plan. Let’s continue to honour and celebrate the incredible contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout the year.
