9 November 2020

"I look forward to NAIDOC Week more than I do Christmas or New Years,” says Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Jacob Nelson who is a proud Bunjalung man.

Jacob explains that it’s a very special time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.  

“It’s a time to celebrate Aboriginal People, culture, history and achievements.

“And a reminder that we’re resilient, we’re strong, we’re still here, and our culture is stronger than ever.”

Jacob feels there’s a real sense of pride and appreciation for Aboriginal People as a whole during this week.

“It’s important that everyone gets involved in NAIDOC Week, so they can celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal culture, history, achievements and traditions,” says Jacob.

NAIDOC Week theme for 2020 is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be'

The theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for 65,000+ years.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.  

Aboriginal history did not begin with the first documented European contact – it began at the dawn of time.

How to get involved in NAIDOC Week online?

NAIDOC Week may look a little different due to COVID-19, however there are many virtual events you can get involved in: 

• You can join a range of virtual events being promoted by NAIDOC Week 
• SBS on Demand and NITV NAIDOC Week movie collection 
• Reconciliation Australia Film Club.

Reconciliation at Austin Health 

Participating in NAIDOC Week helps bring us closer to reconciliation.

At Austin Health we’re committed to reconciliation. We completed our first reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in May 2019. Following consultation with our community, we’re currently in the process of developing our second RAP.