NAIDOC celebrations across the district

Nyardi dancers – Shannon Smith, Chipiki Pittman, Tora-Lee Smith and Durali-Ann Pittman.

NAIDOC events were celebrated across the district with flag raising ceremonies, Welcome to Country by Aboriginal Elders and dancing or performances at Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Westmead hospitals.

WSLHD Aboriginal Health Services manager Belinda Cashman said these celebrations are a unifying and special time for everyone.

“This year’s theme Because of her, we can encourages us to reflect on the female heroine of the past and present,” Ms Cashman said.

“The Westmead Redevelopment project team held a colouring-in event where staff coloured an early version of artist Leanne Tobin’s Dance of the Dragonflies and held the Skies of Aboriginal Australia event where Astronomer Professor Ray Norris shared knowledge that Aboriginal people have shared with him on the sun, stars and the moon.

“Westmead Hospital Aboriginal Liaison officer Narelle Holden organised a traditional flag raising ceremony with a Welcome to Country performed by Aboriginal Elder Uncle Greg Simms as well as traditional performances.”

NAIDOC celebrations at Blacktown Hospital with Wutugindatin singers Pauline Ferkula and Adriane Ferkula-Cohen.

At Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals the NAIDOC celebrations were attended by many staff, patients and community members – Indigenous and non-Indigenous.  At Mount Druitt Hospital The Mount Druitt Indigenous Children’s Choir performed and engaged with those present.  Aunty Glenda Simon spoke on the history of NAIDOC and of the importance of this year’s theme.

The NAIDOC cake at Westmead Hospital is cut by Jenny Murry, Narelle Holden, Aunty Jennifer Smith and Uncle Greg Simms.

Everyone is invited to a special screening of “Occupation: Native” as part of our NAIDOC celebrations.

Your hosts are Aboriginal training coordinator Kristy Kendrigan and Workforce Development Program manger Noel Posus.   Kristy speaks about NAIDOC and the screening on this short video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbruCZWyVU4&feature=youtu.be

The sessions are on 18 July 4-6pm WECC WMH and 20 July 4 -6pm WECC WMH

Please RSVP to Vesna.Sopin@health.nsw.gov.au