22 July 2024
Each year NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture, traditions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme for NAIDOC is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”, which honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ), our commitment to a journey of reconciliation, together with our guiding principle to always “value and respect human life” impels us to listen and learn from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and NAIDOC Week presents a great opportunity to celebrate, learn and connect with our First Nations history and culture.
A special event was held at SCCQ’s Support Centre which welcomed staff and guests to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a smoking ceremony, didgeridoo playing, special guest speakers and an Indigenous inspired morning tea.
Guests were welcomed with a smoking ceremony which is a spiritual cleansing ceremony to ward off particular spirits and welcome good spirits. The ceremony was performed by special guest Bundambah Yah, who later treated guests to the captivating sounds of his didgeridoo along with interesting insights into where the sacred and traditional instrument originated from.
We were also delighted to be joined by Uncle Bob Anderson OAM, a respected Ngugi Elder from Mulgumpin, Moreton Island in Quandamooka, SEQ. Uncle Bob has a long and distinguished history of community service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we were privileged to hear stories of his work in the community and the change he has affected over his lifetime.
We thank Bundambah Yah and Uncle Bob for sharing their culture, stories and knowledge with us.
The event concluded with guests enjoying an indigenous inspired spread of morning tea delights by local supplier Figjam & Co, who are 100% Indigenous owned and operated and source local ingredients from seasonal bush tucker crops that are cultivated by First Nations owned and operated properties and social enterprises in Southeast Queensland.
Bundambah Yah performing a traditional smoking ceremony
Special guest Uncle Bob Anderson OAM
Bundambah Yah playing the didgeridoo
