Our Hope Street sites joined together virtually and in person for a NAIDOC Week 2022 morning tea yesterday.  It created an opportunity to reflect on and to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2022 Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

Donna Bennett, CEO, said:

As I reflect on NAIDOC Week and this year’s celebrations, I believe we can all have a voice in reconciliation and in hearing the truth be told.  It was great to hear the drive and commitment from team members present at the morning tea reflecting on the meaning of NAIDOC Week.   Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the oldest, most ancient culture with spiritual and social connections to land, water and community, in the world.    People spoke about the ongoing injustices against Aboriginal people as well as the strengths, abilities, talents and creativity of Aboriginal people, in particular the young people who access Hope Street services.     

Along with other Hope Street team members I attended a NAIDOC Week celebration at Melton yesterday (6 July 2022) where a smoking ceremony was conducted, a number of Aboriginal people shared some of their story including that of their ancestors, danced and sang.   Whilst I felt sad and appalled at the experiences shared of discrimination and trauma, I also found the sharing of experiences as well as the celebration to be incredibly respectful, inspiring, and fun. 

The poster for this year’s celebrations of NAIDOC Week is bold, clear and calls us all to action. Please find opportunities or moments to celebrate and take action to make positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and therefore all Australians.  Team members from Brunswick West are participating in a NAIDOC Week walk today and there will be other events which team members may be able to attend.

Hope Street is proudly displaying the NAIDOC Week 2022 poster in shared spaces at each site.