Celebrating our Elders – NAIDOC Week 2023

NAIDOC Week (4 – 11 July) is held every year to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year, we honoured our Elders by hosting events at several of our offices and taking part in community celebrations. Check out what all our locations did below!

Tamworth

The early childhood approach team hosted the Elders long lunch. The event provided staff with the opportunity to celebrate this time with their families, Elders and community.

“My uncle Lyle who is one of my Elders came along and shared this special day with us. My children and nieces danced and helped. Kinship, culture, and belonging were practised this day. This will always be remembered by our children so they too can pass this on to their children,” says Natalie, Early Childhood Key Worker.

Tamworth Family Day and March

Our Tamworth team held a craft stall at Tamworth Family Day where staff volunteered and supported Tamworth customers to join in on the March.

“When I marched with PITC and community members it was lovely to share stories and walk together. The feeling of being with my people and walking together with other services was something I will always remember,” says Natasha, First Nations Community Team Leader.

Campbelltown

Northcott’s Campbelltown office hosted a lunch in honour of the Yarning Circle, a support group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers who’ve been meeting for the last 14 years.

Uncle Raymond gave an Acknowledgement of Country followed by a Smoking Ceremony and traditional dance performance with his daughters.

Our Life Skills customers prepared lemon myrtle cookies and soup for lunch. All who attended including Northcott’s Executive Team, customers, staff and their families enjoyed sharing this meal with the Elders from the Yarning Circle.

This event was funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency under the 2023 NAIDOC Local Grants program.

Ballina

The team in Ballina showed their respect to their Elders and shared Aboriginal culture and traditions with the community by preparing and serving a meal for their Elders.

This event was funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency under the 2023 NAIDOC Local Grants program.

Montrose

At Montrose in the Gold Coast, staff and customers acknowledged the occasion by taking part in an Aboriginal art session. During this session they followed a tutorial on painting traditional style art on canvases.