NAIDOC Week Celebrations at Centacare HQ

“Because of we Can” – Centacare North Queensland to Recognise ATSI Women with Launch of new Yarning Stone

Centacare North Queensland will celebrate and honour this year’s NAIDOC Week Celebrations “Because of Her we CAN” (8 – 15 July) with the launch of the new yarning stone and circle at their head office in Cranbrook.

NAIDOC Week traditionally celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

Centacare North Queensland will welcome special guests and community members to the official opening of its yarning stone and outdoor quiet space celebrating NAIDOC Week with a launch morning tea, traditional Australian Indigenous dancers and gift presentations to women who have contributed to the strength of the ATSI community.

Located in the grounds of Centacare Head Office on Ross River Road in Cranbrook and made possible through funding received from Lions Club City of Townsville (Host), the open space and yarning stone have been developed to increase social connectedness through knowledge and skill sharing.

The yarning stone area will provide an open space for new programs and workshops, bringing together all members of the community to connect to country in a safe and sacred space.

Centacare North Queensland Executive Director Peter Monaghan welcomed the opening of the new area, noting the multiple positive benefits to the community of the yarning stone and area.

“We felt it was important for the community to have an area they could come just to be and connect, something that added to our existing spaces and more traditional counselling rooms“, Mr Monaghan said.

“The timing of the launch to coincide with NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme “Because of Her we CAN” is particularly significant as a yarning circle is a traditional gathering space for indigenous women to gather and have a yarn, support each other, talk about their lives and share knowledge and skills.”

Centacare NQ welcomes community members visit the yarning stone and community space. Visit www.centacarenq.org.au or call 1300 672273 to organise use of the yarning stone circle area.