A highlight of Anglicare’s NAIDOC Week celebrations each year is the annual NAIDOC event hosted by our Ashmont Community Resource Centre (ACRC). Last Thursday, despite the chilly temperatures, local elders, local celebrities, community members and the Anglicare team all gathered in honour of this year’s theme: Keep the Fires Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud!
Indeed, fire truly was a focus on the day, with a yarning fire lit by elder Uncle Bob becoming a popular spot to sit; while an inclusive, traditional smoking ceremony, conducted by Wiradjuri man Luke Wighton, saw most guests, staff and stall holders participate.
Many of the elders and local leaders who joined—such as Aunty Mary Atkinson who performed the Welcome to Country and served as a guest judge for the talent quest and singer Nathan Lamont, who performed his latest single and served as the other guest judge—came in part due to their relationship with Anglicare staff.
“The centre is really integrated into the community”, said Anglicare’s Senior Manager for Community Services, Kristy Daley, “and that is by large due to the relationships developed by staff members over the years. The guests, the elders, the DJ, they all come because they are connected in that way.”
The closeness of the community, and ACRC’s function within it, was evident during the talent quest section of the event. More than a dozen young people felt comfortable and supported enough to put their talents on show, encouraged by the friendly and welcoming environment. From traditional Aboriginal dancing to tap dancing, didgeridoo playing to lip-sinking ‘Let it Go’, the acts were entertaining and heartwarming, and always met with a positive response from the crowd.
As the community watched their young people shine, Anglicare staff passed out warm kangaroo stew with hot damper, chicken curry, brownies and johnny cakes—in addition to a complimentary sausage sizzle and coffee cart.
Over the last 20 years, the ACRC has built a reputation as a welcoming, safe and respectful meeting place for all community members. Run in partnership by Anglicare and the Ashmont Anglican Parish, the centre offers emergency food relief, parenting support, play groups, community lunches, financial support, and cooking, crafting and gardening activities.
A community member who regularly visits the centre for activities, and helps serve meals during luncheons, summed up the NAIDOC celebration this way: “I always come to this every year. The centre is sort of my other family, so I always come along. I knew it was going to be a cold one, but still, I wouldn’t miss it.”
To learn more about the Ashmont Community Resource Centre, or other Anglicare services, search our website or call 02 6245 7100.
