“It’s a time to reflect and celebrate our culture with our families and community,” Ganbina chief executive officer Anthony Cavanagh said.
“It’s an important time on the calendar for community to share stories and have yarns and to celebrate Indigenous culture and history.”
This year, Ganbina will attend events and services during NAIDOC Week to encourage community involvement and connection.
“Ganbina staff attend local events that are being held by other Aboriginal organisations so they can share in the celebrations and our rich culture and its stories,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“As an organisation we support and encourage staff to attend and engage in local events.
“Our Youth Leadership program group recently participated in a cultural day at Cummeragunja with Uncle Colin Walker. Uncle Colin shared his story with our group of kids and the richness fits in with this year’s NAIDOC theme ‘For Our Elders’.
However, the celebration of Indigenous culture isn’t only a focus during NAIDOC Week, it is something at the core of Ganbina.
“Ganbina has an internal philosophy that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and its rich storylines should be celebrated every week,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“At Ganbina we see every week as NAIDOC Week.
“We always encourage our program participants to be proud of who they are, their history and celebrate their achievements.”
NAIDOC Week is more than reflection to Ganbina, it also highlights the importance of education.
“Families and friends can use it as a time to educate and teach our culture to non-Indigenous Australians,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“It’s a time for community to come together with family, share stories and educate non-Indigenous Australians about the importance and rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.”
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