Anglicare Southern Queensland was fully engaged during this year's NAIDOC week, which celebrated the theme For Our Elders.
On Monday 3rd of July, the organisation hosted a morning tea and lunch for their community and Elders with more than 75 people in attendance.
The attendees enjoyed specially baked wattle seed muffins and an Aboriginal Flag-themed cake provided by Brown's Bakery Cafe.
Indigenous Elders, Aunty Bev and Aunty Ruth, along with Aunty Sandra and Howie Vandyke, shared a few words to commence the event which also featured language classes.
Howie Vandyke, Cultural Capability Facilitator and proud Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr man notes the event was a great success.
"It was a great day supported not only by the community but also the elders and everyone involved," he said.
"And it's really good to see all the languages support in the Gold Coast / Brisbane region."
InSync Youth Services from Anglicare joined the Logan NAIDOC event at the Kingston Butter Factory on Tuesday, July 4th.
Their aim was to foster connections with the local community and contribute to celebrating the oldest living culture on Earth.
"It was wonderful to be part of this event," said Adam, the Children, Youth and Families Practice Development Lead.
"Our positioning at the front entry, the free goodies and activities we offered, and the great conversations we had helped to build valuable connections with the local community."
Anglicare staff continued the NAIDOC Week celebrations on Thursday, July 6th, at Webber House.
They organised a sausage sizzle, where staff members could purchase a Banga, Biscuit, and Beverage for just $5.
The proceeds from the event went to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, helping provide culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families in remote communities across Australia.
The Lemon Myrtle Boomerang biscuits for the event were supplied by the Preston Campbell Foundation, and the event raised over $450 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Mr Vandyke also gave a special yidaki (didgeridoo) performance.
Uncle Howie and Aunty Sandra also supported additional NAIDOC events where they were invited to the Governor's House for an Indigenous Fashion Parade on Wednesday, July 5th.
The event showcased Indigenous art and fashion, featuring designs from renowned designers as well as up-and-coming talents.
Models representing various communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory proudly showcased the designs, ranging from formal to active wear.
Gaja Kerry Charlton, a Jandai-Yuggera woman, provided a spoken Welcome to Country, and Tribal Experiences led a welcome dance.
The event at Government House celebrated the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This was a first-of-its-kind event to be hosted at Government House, and Her Excellency spoke of her delight in being able to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's history, culture and achievements in what was a highly anticipated NAIDOC celebration.
She described it as "an important way for us to acknowledge and appreciate the unique vibrancy, beauty and significance of Indigenous creative expression".
"I am sure that occasions such as these create greater understanding, and build pride for the unique, ancient Indigenous influence that enriches everyone," the Governor said.
