NAIDOC event creates shared experiences

Each year, to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements, we celebrate significant events including NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week 2022 was held from 3-10 July. At GESB, our annual morning tea celebration was complemented by an interactive art workshop with Yamatji  artist Beverley Egan.

Our NAIDOC Week morning tea was attended by our staff, members of our Board and executive management group and catered by Aboriginal-owned company Gather Foods.

Since our inaugural morning tea in 2019, our NAIDOC Week celebration has each year provided an opportunity for staff to learn about and reflect on the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the connections in their own lives.

This year GESB took this a step further by inviting artists from Creative Native, a Perth-based Aboriginal art gallery and emporium, to host a hands-on art workshop with staff.

Yamatji artist Beverley Egan brought in a large-scale art piece which she had partially painted and instructed staff to complete it using Aboriginal art techniques.

The painting, ‘Bush potato dreaming’, told the story of two women digging for bush potatoes. The women are seen using coolamons and digging sticks to get to the roots of the bush potato tree, which represent the spiritual connection that all Aboriginal people share with each other.

Staff were encouraged to fill in the gaps with colourful dot painting, which represented grains of sand.

Attendees were determined to complete the intricate artwork within the day – and the finished piece is now displayed at our GESB offices.

GESB’s CEO, Ben Palmer, said the experience was a valued opportunity for staff, who learnt about Aboriginal art techniques and the significance of the stories represented through traditional art.

“The collaborative nature of the workshop really gave the sense of different cultures coming together to celebrate Aboriginal history and culture through shared experience,” Ben said.

“It was a fantastic way to raise awareness of traditions and stories belonging to one of the oldest cultures in the world – and all in the spirit of sharing and learning.”

Our ongoing commitment

Our NAIDOC Week event is one of several ways we aim to educate staff and colleagues about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, and the challenges they continue to face.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to present challenges, we were very privileged to be able to celebrate with multiple in-person events attended by our staff and Board members this year,” Ben said.

“I’m proud of the way our GESB employees continue to engage with our reconciliation initiatives and recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories. We all remain committed to improving outcomes for these communities.”