Anglicare was thrilled to participate in and host a number of NAIDOC Week events this July focusing on the theme of ‘For Our Elders’. It was an opportunity to honour the important role elders play in the community as cultural knowledge holders, nurturers, leaders, teachers, advocates and more.
Our largest NAIDOC Week event was our annual NAIDOC Celebration at Ashmont Community Resource Centre where more than 200 people gathered to enjoy traditional dancing, cultural activities, and to witness a Thread Together fashion parade featuring local elders as models. “That was so fun” said one community member who witnessed it all.
Anglicare’s Senior Coordinator for Child and Family Services for the Riverina, Jasmine Woodland, was pleased with how the day went. “We were a little worried about rain, but were thrilled with the turnout and the feedback received from those who attended”, she said. Community members agreed, one stating “That was the best NAIDOC Week event I’ve been to!”
Jasmine and all of Anglicare are extremely thankful to Aunty Isabelle Reid for her Welcome to Country and to the team at Ashmont Community Resource Centre for making the day a success.
Other Anglicare services celebrated NAIDOC Week in various ways, including indigenous-led smoking and dance ceremonies in Moruya, special morning teas in Goulburn, Marulan, Liverpool and at a Community Sector NAIDOC Week event in Canberra.
Pictured below: NAIDOC Week Celebration at Ashmont NSW
