NAIDOC Week 2022

Centacare NQ Townsville & Burdekin staff marched with community on Thul Garrie Waja Country this morning in recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC week has been celebrated across the country this week from the 3rd of July and will continue throughout the weekend until the 10th of July.

Lenora Aldridge, Centacare NQ’s Indigenous Advisor/Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner/Co-Chair of Centacare NQ’s RAP Committee said, ‘NAIDOC Week is not only a celebration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is a celebration for non-indigenous people and community to come together to witness the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.’

Hundreds of community members made up the crowd that proudly marched down Thuringowa drive – flags and support banners raised high, clapping sticks, impromptu dancing, and supportive cheers from onlookers.

Vehicles patiently waited as traditional dancing and a smoking ceremony was performed at the intersection of Ross River Road and Thuringowa Drive.

Stephen Burrowes, Centacare NQ’s Director – Client Services and Co-Chair of Centacare NQ’s RAP Committee said, ‘I love taking part in the march, it’s an opportunity to really gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.’

The march concluded at the NAIDOC Deadly Day Out held at Riverway, Pioneer Parklands. Centacare NQ staff held a stall and met with attendees at the Deadly Day Out to share in the celebration and provide information about services available to the community.

The Centacare NQ stall also invited attendees to paint rocks. The stall was very popular with the kids and many chose to paint dotted symbols, indigenous flags and the NAIDOC theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Check out the photos of the creations below..

Our staff also enjoyed celebrating NAIDOC with families in Cloncurry during NAIDOC week, lots of yarning – sharing of stories and embracing the theme of 2022.

With thanks to 'Young People Ahead Youth and Community Services Inc.' for organising a NAIDOC event in the park our Mount Isa staff were able to provide information, games and giveaways to families in attendance.