NAIDOC Week is Australia’s biggest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It is a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, recognising them as the ongoing Custodians of the land.
This years theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ encourages all of us to champion change, while celebrating those who have already driven and led change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over generations. ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ is about action, calling for systemic change including seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protection, constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling and continuing to work towards treaties.
All around Australia the RFDS will be celebrating NAIDOC week, with events held locally as well as teams getting involved in external NAIDOC events. We will be taking the time to celebrate the histories, diversity, creativity, resourcefulness and endurance of the First People of Australia - the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- In the NT our team will be attending Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival on Larrakia Country (Darwin).
- NAIDOC week breakfasts, BBQ's and morning teas will be taking place at many of our bases as an opportunity to bring staff together to learn.
- New First Nations Artwork have been commissioned to join our wonderful collection of First Nations Art from around the country.
- Staff will be enjoying screenings of Take Heart: Deadly Heart documentary about Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
- Many other activities will be enjoyed throughout the week including talks, performances and cultural learning courses
This year, Ryhia Dank, a young Gudanji/Wakaja artist from the Northern Territory is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC poster competition for 2022 with her entry, Stronger.
“I created this piece after reading this year’s National NAIDOC Week theme – Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! I knew straight away I wanted to do a graphic piece centred around our flags with text highlighting what we have been through and are still fighting for” said Ryhia. “I feel that this piece being black and white allows us to focus on the details and messages in the artwork”
