NAIDOC Week 2020

National NAIDOC Week 2020 was held from 8 -15 November under the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be.’

The theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. We are spiritually and culturally
connected to this country.

NAIDOC Week invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.

It was the perfect time for sharing of culture, but also to explore our thinking, to reflect on the significance of the week and to understand its purpose.

We had many celebrations here at Carers Queensland.

Our Logan NDIS Local Area Coordination (LAC) team celebrations included exploring the meaning of the week, and discussing the artwork for this years’ poster, which also helped them learn a bit more about the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.

Staff also listened to the 2020 Statement from the National NAIDOC Committee – a great way to gain a more concrete understanding of the importance of NAIDOC Week, and a snapshot of the significance of Indigenous Australian history.

Our Maroochydore and Gympie office celebrations brought together both NDIS LAC and Carer Program teams and welcomed special guests, Debbie and Vanessa from Refocus Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child & Family Wellbeing Service who gave the team a taste of some of the work they do with children.

Debbie also read ‘Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) Kids’ by local Aboriginal Elder and author Kerry Neil.

The Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara people are the traditional owners of the land that Maroochydore Service Area operates on.

Representatives from our Sunshine Coast team attended community NAIDOC Week events, including the Sunshine Coast Council flag raising ceremony and Namba NAIDOC Family Event.

This year Carers Queensland also sponsored the Toowoomba Disability Awards and joined their NAIDOC Event to congratulate the winner Sandra Bailey.