Team across the country celebrated the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples during NAIDOC Week.
Image: A group of staff at the Life Without Barriers stall at a NAIDOC Event.
NAIDOC Week 2024 was full of vibrant celebrations at Life Without Barriers! From storytelling sessions to cultural performances, the week was filled with moments that acknowledged the rich heritage and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
New South Wales
Newcastle NAIDOC Week Celebration
Staff, their families, and even the Life Without Barriers therapy dog gathered on the lands of the Awabakal people to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The day began with staff joining the Awabakal Community NAIDOC March from Civic Park to the Foreshore. Later, we gathered for a special Life Without Barriers' event at our Head Office with Aunty Theresa and the Winanga-y Dreaming dance group.
Kelly ITC Worker attended the Head Office event with one of the people we support, Max, and shared that she has never seen him respond to music in such a way before.
"I get the joy of supporting Max in his day-to-day life, today I got to witness something amazing. The connection he showed to culture during the celebrations, in particular during the dancing was incredibly moving and truly beautiful to watch," said Kelly.
"Max's whole-body language changed, he danced in his seat, so keen to get up, during this dancing Max was so connected, there was no one else in the room. A couple of the dancers connected visually with Max, and 'danced with him'." Kelly said.
Sherilee McManus, Director Engagement and Outcomes, organised the Head Office event.
"My aim and hope from today was to show non-indigenous people what NAIDOC Week truly is a celebration of Culture."
"I was watching the audience in the room, they were listening to Aunty Theresa with the Welcome to Country and her truth telling and tapping their feet and doing a little dance and shimmy in their seats as Winanga-y Dreaming performed, I realised we were 'Keeping the Fire Burning today'," said Sherilee McManus.
Shoalhaven NAIDOC Event
The Shoalhaven NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Nowra Showgrounds was a fantastic community event with representation from out Child Youth and Family and Disability teams.
“Shoalhaven NAIDOC Family Fun Day is one of the highlights of my year, and 2024 was no exception. Opened by Gadhungal Marring with a strong and powerful corroboree, it was a beautiful community event," said Virginia Bridger, Regional Operations Manager.
"It was a privilege to share the day with the community on Wandanian Country.”
"We caught up with old friends, and made some great new connections in the community. St George Dragons held a free rugby league clinic for the kids. There was art, craft, food, and fun!"
Northern Territory
Danila Dilba Community Health and Family Day
Staff and the people we support celebrated NAIDOC Week at Jingli Water Park on Larrakia Country. It was a fantastic opportunity for the people we support to connect to community and culture, such as Warren, who was happy to meet his family and community during the event.
Darwin NAIDOC March
The Darwin team were out in force for the annual NAIDOC March through Garramilla (Darwin). They joined thousands of community members in a vibrant celebration of the rich culture and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Queensland
Gimuy (Cairns) NAIDOC March and Park Day
Staff joined the 2024 NAIDOC March through the streets of Cairns in a powerful celebration of First Nations culture. The march ended at the NAIDOC Park Day where we enjoyed powerful performances and had the opportunity to connect with the local community.
"We had an amazing NAIDOC March and Park Day in Gimuy. We had the best weather for it, and it was a pleasure meeting up with some of our participants who also attended," said Adrian Poole, Program Assistant.
Ipswich NAIDOC Activities
The Ipswich team had a jampacked schedule and kicked the week off at the Rosewood Family Day, hosted by the Rosewood Community Centre. Our team set up a badge making station, spread some artistic cheer, and helped attendees craft unique badges to commemorate the event.
"It was a fantastic day filled with laughter and community spirit," said Angela Gownes, Carer Ambassador.
The team also joined the Inala NAIDOC Family Fun Day at the West Inala Football Club. The rain did not dampen the celebrations and stalls sold amazing First Nations merchandise, fun activities, performances, and a sausage sizzle.
"The performance from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers was a unique and enriching experience."
"It provided those that attended an insight into the rich cultural heritage of Australia's First Nations Peoples," said Michelle Watson, Cultural Support Coordinator.
The team hosted a stall at the Ipswich Family and Cultural Celebration at the Ipswich Turf Club, where there was a wonderful turnout of community attendees.
"We saw so many of the Ipswich region staff come along, helping out at the stall or supporting their young people, carers and family to attend," said Peta-Maree Strathie, Program Manager, Child, Youth, and Family, Ipswich.
The Ipswich RAP committee attended the Yamanto Police Station Flag Raising event. This was a wonderful event, showing First Nation first responders how appreciated they are in the work they do within the community.
Staff from the Ipswich Region also attended the Kambu Health Inaugural NAIDOC Gala Ball 2024.
"Kambu Health put on such a spectacular event. From the moment we arrived on a red carpet, to the Welcome to Country, dancers, the food and, of course, the award ceremony. It really was an amazing night to be a part of," said Peta-Maree.
Townsville NAIDOC Celebrations
The Townsville Child, Youth, and Family team focused on building our partnership with the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health Services (TAIHS).
The team hosted a morning tea at the Townsville office where Doug Wong, Cultural Support Planner, made scones and damper for everyone to enjoy and Sabi from TAIHS spoke about the many programs offered by TAIHS, with a special focus on the young people in our care can join.
At Sabi's invitation, the team, foster carers, and young people joined the TAIHS NAIDOC Family Community Event. The community event started with a March along Thuringowa Drive, followed by lots of fun activities for the kids, cultural dancing and plenty of food.
Our North Queensland Education Consultant Donna was kept very busy painting faces, while other members of the team helped young people create and decorate boomerangs and a paper chain serpent.
"This was a great opportunity for Life Without Barriers to be a part of the TAIHS journey in serving the community. Together we discussed some partnership opportunities and various ways that we can walk alongside TAIHS in meeting the needs of the indigenous community," said Purity Muchai, Operations Manager, Queensland Child, Youth, and Family.
Birrunga Gallery Walking Breakfast
Helen Anderson, Senior Communications Advisor, Megan Hall, Education and Learning Project Lead, and Clea North, Education Consultant, had a wonderful morning listening and learning about First Nations Art at the Birrunga Gallery Walking Breakfast in Meanjin (Brisbane).
"Some beautiful storytelling was shared via canvas," said Helen.
"I was so grateful to spend the morning yarning with allies and supporting black businesses."
"We were humbled by the incredible talent of the Indigenous Australian artists who make up the Gallery's Cultural Creative Development Program. While we could have easily purchased all the pieces and proudly showcased them in our homes, some standout artists included: Jessica Skeen and Naomi Green who explored the theme of NAIDOC through their pieces," said Megan.
Logan NAIDOC Family Fun Day
We had a wonderful time celebrating NAIDOC with the community at the Logan Family Fun Day. Staff were honoured to yarn with some Elders, Uncle Barry and Aunty Leoni, and listen to their stories of the past and their hopes for reconciliation.
Attendees also listened to Cultural Heritage Ranger, Jemarah Carr-Smith, who shared the ancient wisdom of fire to sustain our natural ecosystems, how to read the soil of the area and know innately what trees or plants are native to the area, and how to nurture them.
Toowoomba NAIDOC Celebrations
The Toowoomba team started celebrations a week earlier and took a group of carers, young people, and staff to the Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum where they had a guided tour, listening to the history and stories, and attended an art workshop.
Staff also gathered on the lands of the Jarowair and Giabal Nations at the Toowoomba office to share stories and reflects on what NAIDOC Week means to each of them. The team finished the week at the Toowoomba NAIDOC awards.
"This year we have participated in some fantastic celebrations, and we have had many opportunities to connect with friends, family, and our communities," said Jack Dempsey, Program Manager.
Brisbane NAIDOC Ball
Staff joined the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball for a night of celebration and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in South-East Queensland. It was a wonderful evening that left the team feeling inspired.
“Blak excellence and the extremely important work that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples do for community deserves to be celebrated,” said Clea North, Education Consultant.
“This night didn't disappoint, the room was full of Blak joy. It was felt in the performances, the acceptance speeches, the mob reunions, and, of course, the glamour on the Blak carpet!”
We were also pleased to have one of our partners, Eva Ruggiero from the Palm Island Community Company, join us at the celebration. We are looking forward to future opportunities to work together with the Palm Island Community Company to support children and young people in the community.
South Australia
NAIDOC by the Sea
The Disability and Mental Health team and the Living Arts program participated in the Christie's Beach NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day. Despite the icy start to the morning, many community members joined the march down Beach Road to keep the fires burning and celebrate as a community!
At the Family Fun Day we witnessed a smoking ceremony, listened to Aboriginal children sing, to local artists, and to amazing RAP groups. We also heard from some Elders and community groups discuss their efforts in preserving the Aboriginal culture for future generations.
At the Life Without Barriers' Living Arts stall people were able to learn Kaurna words for many Australian animals.
"It was a great day with such a positive vibe. So wonderful to see the community coming together," said Cerise DelNido, Team Leader, Mental Health.
National NAIDOC Week Ball and Awards Ceremony
This year, the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony was held in Tarndanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Yerta Country. Our South Australian team, the Cultural Justice and Reform unit, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice and Partnerships team celebrated the award winners and this year's theme 'Keep the Fire Burning - Blak, Loud and Proud!'
"It was an amazing privilege to be at the NAIDOC Ball and Awards Ceremony on Kaurna Country," said Paula Head, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer.
"The evening was full of energy and spirit, and was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and cultural celebration."
Tasmania
NAIDOC Week Storytime at Launceston Library
Staff and the people we support attended Launceston Library's NAIDOC Week Storytime Session. It was a wonderful morning listening to stories and participating in the craft activity, where the people we support were able to take home a personal hand stitched heart.
"I am a proud Aboriginal woman, so to be a part of the story telling event was a real honour."
"The story telling was beautiful read and I personally found it wonderful to see so many young people involved and know the words to the books read and the songs sung," said Angela Peardon, Disability Support Worker.
Image: A group of people we support at the NAIDOC Week Storytime at Launceston Library.
Victoria
Future Women's 2024 NAIDOC Week Breakfast
Narelle Demeris, Director of Disability and Mental Health Services and Nicole Hassall, Executive Officer, were grateful to attend this year's Future Women NAIDOC Breakfast, where they heard from a powerful line up of First Nations women.
"We both resonated with Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts' call to action for us to be part of the collective solution, not a silent partner of the problem. We were grateful to join a morning of celebrating strong, intelligent women of culture and community," said Nicole.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service NAIDOC March
Melbourne staff joined the annual Victorian Aboriginal Health Service NAIDOC March in Naarm.
We arrived early and enjoyed the celebrations, which included a smoking ceremony, live music and face painting. Despite the rainy weather, there was a huge turnout of Mob and allies marching together from Fitzroy to Parliament House.
"It was inspiring to participate in my first NAIDOC March, where the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and their allies walked together to 'Keep the Fire Burning'."
"Walking alongside colleagues from Life Without Barriers demonstrated our commitment to reconciliation and actively taking active steps to achieve this," said Anthony Raitman, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives Child, Youth and Family.
"The way I see it; to truly keep the fire burning, we have to light little spot fires of inspiration everywhere we go so that those small sparks can turn into large flames. Hopefully, in a few years' time, we will be seeing the positive impact of Keeping the Fire Burning. Our Elders have been doing it for so long and have got it to this point, so we have to help it from this part of the journey," said Lucas Carmody, Case Coordinator, NISS.
