NAIDOC Week provides an important opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate one of the oldest living cultures on earth. It is also a time to reflect on the strength, resilience and leadership demonstrated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples over generations, and how these qualities continue to inspire and guide us in our work.
Our current Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and our previous RAPs, demonstrates our commitment to learning, sharing knowledge and working alongside others to ensure reconciliation remains at the heart of what we do, while also encouraging positive change across our sphere of influence.
NAIDOC Week provides a valuable opportunity to bring this commitment to life through events such as the annual community gathering at Jamison Park, the largest NAIDOC event in NSW. Every year, we look forward to connecting with community, celebrating culture and sharing information about our programs and services available across the region.
This year’s event was particularly memorable. Having attended for the past 16 years, we were proud to experience a level of community engagement unlike anything we have seen before. More than 20 of our staff members attended throughout the day, creating meaningful conversations with community and helping to showcase the breadth of programs and services we support.
This success was driven by the creativity and enthusiasm of the NAIDOC Working Group, who developed a range of activities designed to encourage participation and connection. Basketball shooting games, skipping activities, word puzzles and NAIDOC-themed trivia helped to bring people together of all ages.
As we reflect on this year’s celebrations and the NAIDOC milestone of 50 years of Deadly, we reaffirm our commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, while continuing to listen, learn and strengthen the relationships that help to drive positive change.