Elizawilson, Author at Anglicare Southern Queensland

NAIDOC Week is celebrated annually across Australia in July. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2021 was ‘Heal Country!’

Heal Country! – calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Country is inherent to their identity. In the spiritual, physical, emotional, social and cultural realms.

For First Nations people of Australia, Country is more than a place. It refers to family, kin, law, lore, traditions and language.

Over many years, First Nations people have been calling for stronger measures to recognise and protect all aspects of their culture. Sadly, however, they are still waiting for more robust protections.

How can we heal Country?

We can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by hearing their pleas for better involvement and empowerment over Country. This involves embracing their cultural knowledge and respecting their values.

We can also help with resolving outstanding injustices which impact the lives of First Nations people by addressing historical and present injustices.

You can find out more about Heal Country here.

This week is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What NAIDOC stands for

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week here.

Local community celebrations during the week are encouraged and often organised by communities, government agencies, local councils, schools and workplaces.

Have you thought about organising an event in your area? A few suggestions about how you can celebrate NAIDOC can be found on this website.

Wherever you live, you can take part in the celebrations. Find your local NAIDOC Week event: https://bit.ly/3qt4tgC

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It’s also a time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. In 2022, the theme, “Be Brave. Make Change” inspired recognition of the fact that each of us has a role to play in bringing about change, building positive relationships and greater respect and trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Anglicare’s journey

Anglicare Southern Queensland, in partnership with the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, is on a journey towards reconciliation. We are members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. A committee established to develop and lead the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in October 2021.

This week runs from 27 May to 3 June every year and commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967
On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992
On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title. Click here to read more about the case.

‘Be Brave. Make Change.’, is a theme which encourages people to make positive changes. Whether that’s in their daily lives: at work, at home, in the public sphere and with their friends.

Together, we can all work towards reconciliation for a brighter, more equitable future.

To find out what’s happening near you, please visit Reconciliation Australia.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is a symbolic and political site located in Canberra, opposite Parliament House. On 26 January 1972, four Aboriginal activists: Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Bertie Williams, and Tony Correy, erected a symbolic beach umbrella stake with a sign that said, “Aboriginal Embassy.”

The use of the word ‘embassy’ emphasised the fact that Aboriginal people had never ceded sovereignty or had been engaged in treaty processes with the Australian Government.

Photo credit: National Museum of Australia. 1972 Canberra Tent Embassy to Parliament. Pictured are activists, Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Bertie Williams, and Tony Correy.

What the Tent Embassy stood for

In the weeks that followed, this protest received a lot of media attention and support from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. On 6 February 1972, the Embassy issued a list of demands to the Government that were focussed on issues relating to land rights, including:

Full rights to the Northern Territory as a state in Australia, including the installation of a primarily Aboriginal State Parliament. These rights would also include all mining rights to the land

Ownership and mining rights of all other Aboriginal reserve lands within Australia

Ownership of areas in major Australian cities. Including mining rights

Preservation of sacred sites in Australia

Compensation for lands that weren’t able to be returned to First Australians, starting with $6 billion and including a percentage of the gross national income annually.

Not going anywhere

By July that year, police dismantled the Tent Embassy. Though, it returned in 1973 after activists sat with then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. The protest led to the 1976 Aboriginal Land Rights Act, allowing land claims in the Northern Territory.

The embassy continued to move sites until its permanent return in 1992. In 1995, it was listed on the Register of the National Estate. The landmark Eddie Mabo case, in 1992, recognised the native title, leading to the Native Title Act 1993.

40 and 50 years on

Despite attempts to remove it, the embassy persisted. In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a formal apology. The 40th Anniversary celebration of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy was celebrated in 2012, but not without controversy, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s remarks leading to protests.

Now, more than 50 years on, we continue to reflect on the activism. The embassy emphasises the need to address ongoing injustices for First Nations people. It advocates for action in supporting initiatives for reconciliation, especially following the devastating outcome of the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum and efforts towards “Closing the Gap.”

A symbol of resilience and activism

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy serves as a profound symbol of the resilience and activism of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is essential for us to recognise the injustices they continue to face today. As a nation, we still have a significant journey ahead in the path to reconciliation. Anglicare is dedicated to fostering a culture of deep listening and understanding towards First Australians, and we will persist in standing alongside them, advocating for their ongoing pursuit of justice, recognition, and equality.

Following the devastating outcome of The Voice Referendum on October 14, 2023, Anglicare Southern Queensland observed a Week of Silence. This was done to grieve the outcome of the referendum and reflect on its meaning and significance.

Staff, colleagues and community stakeholders were invited to attend a silent vigil to pray for our Nation at St John’s Cathedral on October 19.

In the weeks following this result, our Pastoral Care Team dedicated extra time and resources to assist anyone requiring emotional assistance.

Statement from Week of Silence organisers

In a statement made by The Uluru Statement organisation, they said, “The referendum was a chance for newcomers to show a long-refused grace and gratitude and to acknowledge that the brutal dispossession of our people underwrote their every advantage in this country.”

“For more than six years, we have explained to our nation why the Voice was our great hope to achieve real change for our families and communities.”

The statement also gave thanks to Australians who supported Indigenous Australians. It recognised the hope those who voted yes had for a better future for Australia.

“When we determine a new direction for justice and our rights, let us once again unite.”

What was the Voice?

The Voice was a referendum where Australians got to vote on an amendment to the Australian Constitution. This would have allowed for an advisory body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be established.

It was part of a recommendation, originally established by the Uluru Statement From the Heart in 2017 to recognise the voices of First Nations peoples be heard equally.

The Uluru Statement had three key pillars for reform and would have had the following impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

Voice

A mechanism which would have allowed First Nations people to provide their own expert advice to Parliament. Moreover, on issues and policies that directly impact them.

Treaty

Which would have allowed governments and First Nations people to acknowledge historical and current rights and interests of Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, recognising sovereignty and that Australia was never ceded.

Truth

Which would’ve allowed for the full extent of injustices of First Nations people to be exposed. Enabling a shared understanding of how Australia’s colonial history has impacted them to today.

Moving forward

Anglicare Southern Queensland remains deeply saddened by the result of this referendum. We will, however, remain committed to standing by First Nations peoples and advocating alongside them regarding matters that impact them.

To learn more about our commitment to First Nations Australian’s, please visit the First Nations page on our website.

‘Now, More Than Ever,’ was the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024 (from May 27 to June 3). The theme was an important reminder of the importance of the fight for justice and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Especially following the devastating outcome of the Voice referendum result in October 2023. Where, the majority of Australian’s voted against an alteration to the Australian constitution that would have recognised First Peoples of Australia. Moreover, by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in parliament.

Now, More Than Ever

Individuals, communities and organisations across Australia, who support the reconciliation movement agreed that now, more than ever, the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, recognition and justice must continue.

What is Reconciliation Week?

Reconciliation Week is a week of celebrations that is held annually from May 27 to June 03. It aims to recognise the culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The week was first recognised in 1996, and it commemorates the 1967 referendum where Australians voted to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the same rights as other Australians.

It also recognises 1992 High Court Mabo Decision. This decision acknowledged that Indigenous Australians have rights to their land; the lands that were stripped from them during British colonisation.

What Anglicare did during Reconciliation Week

During Reconciliation Week in 2024, our staff and clients hosted many events aimed at recognising how far we’ve come as a society and organisation in the reconciliation journey. We also discussed the ways in which we can continue our journey towards reconciliation.

Colleagues were invited to attend a free barbecue lunch and a yarn with our Traditional Custodians of Yagara / Ugarapul Country. Custodians shared their ancestral connection to the land. The event also included a discussion led by the University of Divinity’s Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, who spoke about the importance of cultural protocols and safety, Welcome to Country / Acknowledgement of Country, smoking ceremonies, boundaries and Reconciliation.

Later in the week, colleagues and their families were also invited to attend a complimentary movie screening at Dendy Portside Cinemas, hosted by Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland. The 90-minute feature film, “Incarceration Nation,” shared the powerful story of resilience and advocacy of First Nations people against racism in the justice system, aiming to spark meaningful change.

Numerous service location sites also hosted their own morning teas throughout the week with staff and clients. Meaningful conversations were had about our journey towards reconciliation, so far, and suggestions were made towards how Anglicare can do our part to continue supporting it for our First Nations communities.

Anglicare’s commitment to First Nations Australians

Now, more than ever, we must advocate for and support the rights of First Nations peoples, confronting racism wherever it arises and amplifying their voices.

Anglicare is committed to a culture of learning, listening and doing for First Nations peoples. For more information, visit our First Nations webpage.

Reconciliation Week occurs from May 27 to June 3 each year. The theme for 2023 was ‘Be a Voice for Generations.’ It encouraged Australians to use their voices, power and vote to create a better, more just Australia. An important message in the lead up to the unsuccessful 2023 Voice referendum.

‘Be a Voice for Generations,’ also encouraged Australians to contribute to reconciliation in their everyday lives.

How Anglicare participated in Reconciliation Week events in 2023

In 2023, Anglicare Southern Queensland attended and participated in a range of National Reconciliation Week events.

Frank Fisher Football Club

To mark the beginning of the week, several staff members from our corporate office joined our teams on the ground in Roma and Chinchilla to attend the Frank Fisher Shield Football Competition. This two-day tournament brought together Indigenous football clubs from around the region to part-take in games of rugby league.

‘The Last Daughter’ screening

Colleagues and their family members were also invited to attend a special movie premiere for the documentary, ‘The Last Daughter.’ The screening took place at Dendy Cinemas in Hamilton and included special guests including Aunty Brenda, the star of the documentary.

The story follows Aunty Brenda and her earliest memories of growing up in a white foster family, before she was taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family. Several decades later, Aunty Brenda feels disconnected from both halves of her life. During this documentary, she uncovers long-hidden secrets, government lies and learns more about her connections to family and culture.

Reconciliation Day Morning Tea

On Tuesday 30 May Anglicare staff were invited along to attend a morning tea in our corporate office. First Nations Elder, Aunty Sandra King and staff member, Howie Vandyke spoke to staff about their experiences of the reconciliation journey. All in attendance were also invited to share in a ‘Be a Voice for Generation’ cake, boomerang shaped biscuits, and lemon myrtle iced tea.

Logan Foster and Kinship Morning Tea

Staff from our Foster and Kinship Care team in Logan recognised the week with a morning tea and guest speaker, Marg Saunders. Marg discussed cultural protocols, child placement principles, connection to country and family, partnership with community on country and with Elders and the importance of Anglicare staff as paid professional privilege and the power to know, be and do.

The team also participated in a yarning circle and discussed a range of relevant topics in the Reconciliation space for the time.

How you can participate in the Reconciliation journey

Reconciliation is everyone’s business. It’s about recognising past injustices to First Nations Australians and working alongside them to do better. Therefore, to improve outcomes for their future.

You can participate in the Reconciliation journey by learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and histories, acknowledging Traditional owners and engaging in events like Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. You can also actively support policies which aim to achieve equality and justice for First Nations peoples.

To learn more about what Anglicare are doing in this space and provide suggestions, please visit our First Nations webpage.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2022 was, ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’

It’s a week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme for 2022 called for action to bring about systemic change and emphasised the importance of continuous support for Aboriginal communities and Elders. NAIDOC Week 2022 builds on the desire to “change the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians to be one that is “based on justice equity, and the proper recognition of Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.””

What is NAIDOC Week about?

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the First Nations cultures and histories. Furthermore, to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

The 2022 theme encourages us to champion institutional structural, collaborative and cooperative change while celebrating those who have already driven and led change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over many generations.

Howie Vandyke is a proud Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr man. He said that NAIDOC Week is important to him because it’s a time to reflect and acknowledge the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have on this land.

“It’s such a long and old history,” he said.

“It needs to be recognised and it needs to be celebrated.

“I encourage you all to get amongst it and get into a NAIDOC Week celebration.

“The theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! means actions speak louder than words, showing up to events and challenging yourself.”

Howie encouraged everyone to come together and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“If you don’t know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the only way you’re going to meet them is by going to these major events,” he said.

“It’s really about being courageous and getting out there because it’s time for us all to come back together in a sense of reconciliation and that’s just one positive way to go about doing that.

“NAIDOC week is a time for us all to come together and celebrate together, in the spirit of coming together.”

Anglicare’s commitment to First Australians

Anglicare Southern Queensland acknowledges that our nation’s history began 65,000 years ago. First Nations people are at the forefront of this history. As part of our commitment to promoting a culture of listening, learning and doing, it’s important for us to acknowledge the past and present injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have endured. This will allow us to seek to understand and reconcile these histories to move forward together in unity. For more information about our commitment, please visit our First Nations page on our website.

NAIDOC Week 2024 was held between 7 to 14 July. The theme of the week was ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,’ representing the strength and spirit of Indigenous cultures and the importance of preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

How we celebrated NAIDOC Week 2024

Anglicare celebrated NAIDOC Week 2024 across our services in a variety of different ways. From cooking demonstrations and morning teas to story time, dancing and arts and craft; through these events and activities, our staff, clients and communities were able to learn about, engage in and celebrate First Nations culture and history.

Cooking demonstration with Aunty Dale

On Tuesday 9 July, our CEO, Sue Cooke, joined Aunty Dale Chapman from My Dilly Bag for a live-streamed cooking demonstration that was broadcast to staff across our organisation.

Aunty Dale demonstrated the rich flavours and health benefits of Australian native spices. The two recipes that they cooked included:

Seared kangaroo fillet on a bed of sweet potato with a tangy pepperberry and beetroot sauce; as well as a
Decadent wattleseed tiramisu.

About My Dilly Bag

My Dilly Bag was formed by Aunty Dale in 2000 with a dream that was fuelled by her deep cultural pride – to achieve true equality for all Australians.

It’s through sharing delicious Australian native foods, yarning and learning about traditional knowledge that honours our past and builds respect and joy into the future. My Dilly Bag also creates a comfortable environment where Indigenous and non-indigenous people can learn from and about each other.

NAIDOC Week Events in Brisbane and Logan

Several of our service teams joined other organisations at Musgrave Park and the Logan NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day to join in celebrations. Our teams got into the spirit by chatting with event goers and engaging in arts and crafts.

Celebrating with Children and Families

Numerous children and families’ teams across our organisation hosted family friendly events in their services for their clients. Below is an image of our First Nations staff and children from our Caboolture Children and Parenting service. At their NAIDOC Week event, they enjoyed a morning tea, followed by some crafts and dancing.

Celebrating NAIDOC in our Aged Care Services

In addition to our children, youth and families teams, our aged care residents and clients also participated in NAIDOC Week activities. Teams enjoyed a spread of foods with native ingredients, storytelling and arts and crafts.

Celebrating First Nations culture

Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished. Furthermore, celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation.

Anglicare are committed to listening to and sharing the stories of First Nations peoples and communities. In this commitment, we aim to be more culturally responsive and inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This has and will continue to be achieved through embedding cultural capabilities across all facets of our organisation. Click here to find out more.

In 2023, Anglicare celebrated NAIDOC Week and Indigenous culture though a range of events and activities to honour culture and communities under the theme, “For Our Elders.” It allowed staff and clients to foster a deeper appreciation for the oldest living culture on Earth.

NAIDOC Week 2023 theme

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 was ‘For Our Elders.’ This theme highlighted the important role that Elders play in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, while recognising their cultural knowledge, leadership and guidance across generations.

Morning Tea and Lunch at Killara Place

On Monday 3 July 2023, the week commenced with a heart-warming morning tea and lunch at Killara Place. The event was attended by more than 75 community members including esteemed Elders. Elders in attendance included Aunty Bev and Aunty Ruth, alongside Aunty Sandra and Howie Vandyke, who shared words of wisdom and cultural insights.

Brown’s Bakery Cafe provided specially baked wattle seed muffins and an Aboriginal Flag themed cake, adding a delightful touch to the occasion.

Engaging with the Logan Community

On Tuesday 4 July 2023, Anglicare’s InSync Youth Services participated in the Logan NAIDOC event at the Kingston Butter Factory. The involvement of staff and clients aimed to foster connections with the local community and celebrate rich Indigenous heritage.

Adam, the Children, Youth and Families Practice Development Lead expressed delight in the positive interactions and connections made during the event.

Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a language workshop which was facilitated by Robert Ah Wing from the First Nations team at Logan City Council Libraries. They also had the opportunity to have a yarn with two elders who shared some interesting stories and valuable insights.

Indigenous Fashion Parade at Governor’s House

Staff from Anglicare attended the prestigious Indigenous Fashion Parade at the Governor’s House on 5 July 2023. This extraordinary event showcased Indigenous art and fashion, featuring designs from renowned and up-and-coming designers. The Governor’s House celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Her Excellency expressed her delight in hosting this ground-breaking event, emphasising the importance of appreciating Indigenous creative expression and fostering greater understanding.

Fundraiser for Indigenous Literacy Foundation

NAIDOC Week celebrations continued into the week with a Fundraiser for Indigenous Literacy Foundation on Thursday 4 July 2023. Anglicare staff gathered at Webber House for a delicious sausage sizzle. Staff had the opportunity to enjoy a sausage sizzle, biscuit and beverage combo for $5, with all proceeds going to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The event raised more than $450, thanks to the generous support of the Preston Campbell Foundation in providing culturally relevant books and learning resources for children and families in remote Australian communities. Another highlight of the day was a special yidaki (didgeridoo) performance by staff member, Howie Vandyke.

Gratitude

Anglicare extends its heartfelt gratitude to staff and partners who contributed to the success of these events. Their support makes a significant contribution towards building a more inclusive and diverse organisation, where everyone’s contributions are valued and respected.

Meet Ben, a Ngandawal Midjungbal man of the Bundjalung Nation and a Cultural Support Worker at Anglicare Southern Queensland. Ben works closely with young people across our children, youth and families services.

Cultural support workers

Our Cultural Support Workers play a vital role and are committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are in out of home care remain connected to their family, kin, community and culture.

“I feel that I make a difference by supporting our young people and giving a cultural lens to situations, and helping staff understand different situations.”

“I also feel that I’m able to share my cultural knowledge with the young people so that they can grow up with some sense of identity in who they are and being able to carry that through their life,” said Ben.

Ben has been working in community services and with young people for 15 years across different areas including youth mentoring, youth homelessness, youth detention and as a cultural advisor.

“I have a passion for working with young people and for sharing my culture and knowledge. I believe that sharing knowledge is key to breaking down barriers as it helps us to develop an understanding about each other,” said Ben.

“The feedback that we get from staff about how excited the young people are to learn about their culture makes me feel proud. It’s usually after we have met with them or participated in an activity with them it’s something that really stands out for me.”

A day in the life of a cultural support worker

A day in the life of Ben can look very different depending on the day, some of the work he does with the young people ranges from yarning in the home, taking them into nature or connecting with them through cultural activities, such as art.

Another part is connecting the young people to culture through bush walks and showing them things in nature and engaging them in local community events for significant dates, such as NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week, held throughout the year. It’s all about immersing them in their culture and teaching them more about each aspect.

Ben recognises the hard work done by the young people he works with, and the support from other service teams across the organisation.

“I would like to acknowledge the staff that work with our young people day to day as they have been doing an amazing job. I would also like to acknowledge how open the staff have been to the cultural support program and how supportive they have been as well.

NAIDOC Week 2021