The BUSY At Work Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team was very proud and excited to host the second NAIDOC morning tea at the Springwood Office today with BUSY staff and members of the public attending.
BUSY At Work Indigenous Consultant and RAP team member, Robyn Donnelly said NAIDOC week was a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.
“We feel very honoured to be able to take part in these celebrations which recognise the unique contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
“We have encouraged all BUSY At Work employees to participate in the celebrations and activities that will be taking place during NAIDOC Week.”
This year’s national NAIDOC celebrations featured the theme “We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate” which is about highlighting Indigenous Australians strong spiritual and cultural connection to the land and sea.
“We want to encourage all Australians to respect and celebrate local and national sites of significance or ‘sacred places’ and to learn of their history and stories.”
“These sacred places which could be a geographic feature like a river, mountain, ceremonial grounds or rock art engravings had traditional names that reflected the timeless relationship between the people and the land. Often they are connected with Dreaming stories or tell of the meaning of an area,” Ms Donnelly said.
This year’s theme was also specifically chosen to highlight and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the return of Uluru to the traditional owners.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said NAIDOC Week 2015 was an opportunity for all Australians to join together to recognise the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the valuable contributions they continue to make to this nation.
“NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people to celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
“Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, BUSY At Work is committed to working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to close the social, economic and health gap between First Australian peoples and the broader Australian community,” Mr Miles said.
NAIDOC Week runs from the 5 to the 12th July 2015. To find out more or get involved and hold your own event go to www.naidoc.org.au
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
