Acknowledging Reconciliation Week with Bardi

Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also a time to explore how we all can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To acknowledge this week, we interviewed one of Northcott’s Aboriginal staff members Bardi and asked him to share his story with us.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Bardi, and I am a support worker from Coffs Harbour currently living in Nambucca Heads. I like spending time with my family, eating good food and camping. Some of my dislikes would be, being stuck in traffic and people who don’t respect and have consideration towards others. In my spare time I like body-boarding, skateboarding, film-making, and photography.

My partner and I also run a wedding film production company. Between that working full time and our two kids Florence and Emmett, we are always kept on our toes.

How did you end up working at Northcott?

I ended up working at Northcott through my mum. She had done a lot of similar work in the past and would tell me how rewarding and fulfilling these types of jobs can be. After coming back from travelling in a bus with my family I applied for a support worker position in Coffs Harbour around 2020. Since getting the job I haven’t looked back and l really love it.

What is your favourite part of your role?

My favourite part is being able to support customers to achieve their goals no matter what they are and assist in day-to-day tasks.

Do you have any standout memories from your time with Northcott so far?

A standout moment for me was finding out about Northcott’s initiative for Indigenous staff with the Yarrabee Staff Network and RAP working group. Having the opportunity for all the ATSI staff come together to help support our communities and develop new programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders staff is quite incredible.

What does this years’ Reconciliation Week theme “Be a voice for generations” mean to you?

“Be a voice for generations” is about honouring the previous generations fight for justice in Australia and working together across all generations to help tackle reconciliation to come.

It is important to celebrate this week every year, because Reconciliation is something that should not be forgotten and something that still needs to be addressed within Australia. During this time everyone should be coming together to celebrate Indigenous culture and remember our history.

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Are you interested in working at Northcott as a Support Worker? Find all our current career opportunities here.

To learn more about Northcott’s Stretch RAP 2020-2023 and our key targets download a copy here.