In the West and East, we celebrate National NAIDOC Week

29 Jun 2023

This Sunday we begin our National NAIDOC Week celebrations (2 to 9 July 2023).

National NAIDOC Week is a wonderful opportunity to recognise, learn about and celebrate the rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made (and continue to make) to our great country.

The theme this year is “For Our Elders” so many of the events and activities this year will shine a spotlight on the unique and important contribution of Aboriginal Elders.

St John of God Health Care’s National NAIDOC Week calendar includes something for everyone – conversations with Aboriginal Elders, interactive art sessions, native Australian food tastings, flag raising ceremonies and Aboriginal dance performances are just some of the activities planned.

Western Australia

St John of God Bunbury Hospital

7 July
11.00am to 2.00pm – Combined Cafe Courtyard, Bunbury Regional Hospital Campus. Caregivers and the community are invited to take part in a flag raising ceremony, Welcome to Country, BBQ, and yarning circle.

St John of God Geraldton Hospital

6 July
12.00pm -  Geraldton Multipurpose Centre. Managers and caregivers are invited to lunch with local Elders.

St John of God Health Care Head Office at Kings Square

16 August
10.00am – Level 16, Kings Square Perth. Caregivers are invited to a Welcome to Country by Aunty Robyn with her grandson on the didgeridoo. Followed by a bush tucker morning tea from Kuditj Kitchen.

St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals

30 June to 10 July
St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals. A mural will be displayed on the first floor windows facing the visitor car park for all caregivers and the community to view reflect on.

4 July
10.00am to 10:45am – main entrance courtyard, St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals CEO Paul Dyer, will welcome guests performing a dance, Welcome to Country, and smoking ceremony. These events will be followed by a morning tea held in the Whadjuk Room.

6 July
11.00am to 1.00pm - Level one Kitchenette, St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals. Caregivers are invited to taste local indigenous food including kangaroo meatball with bush tomato compote, lemon myrtle chicken arancini with quandong chutney, and emu and Illawarra plumb sausage with lemon myrtle hollandaise.

St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital

14 July
9.30am – St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital. All caregivers are invited to attend a Welcome to Country and flag raising ceremony with Aunty Neta Knapp.
10.00am to 10.30am - a yarning circle and morning tea.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital

4 July
2.30pm – St John of God Murdoch Hospital Function Rooms. A Welcome to Country by Neta Knapp and performance by the Wadumbah Dance Group will be held in the St John of God Murdoch Hospital Function Rooms.

Subiaco

6 July
Discussion Panel – St John of God Subiaco Hospital. A discussion panel will be organised for caregivers to take part in a conversation with local Elders.

Victoria

St John of God Bendigo Hospital

Until 6 August
St John of God Bendigo Hospital Atrium. An art exhibition will be held in the Bendigo Hospital Atrium for caregivers and the community during July and early August.

7 July
12.00pm – Atrium, St John of God Bendigo Hospital. A community lunch will be held for the community and caregivers in the Atrium at St John of God Bendigo Hospital.

St John of God Berwick and Frankston Rehabilitation Hospitals, and St John of God Langmore Centre

28 June
St John of God Berwick Hospital, St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital, and the St John of God Langmore Centre. A leadership forum for the three South-East Melbourne sites will host guests Koori Youth Healing Service.

20 July, 31 July, 10 August
St John of God Berwick Hospital, St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital, and the St John of God Langmore Centre. Leadership from South-East Melbourne sites will take part in three yarning circles at Nairm Marr Djambana.

New South Wales

St John of God Burwood Hospital

2 to 9 July
St John of God Burwood Hospital. Caregivers will receive a free hot drink voucher redeemable at on-site cafes. There will also be a daily NAIDOC message for all caregivers.

4 July
2.30pm – Granada Café, St John of God Burwood Hospital. Unveiling of the Uluru Statement from the Heart prints, followed by a conversation centred on NAIDOC Week for caregivers and the community.

Hawkesbury District Health Service

3 to 6 July
Hawkesbury District Health Service. Caregivers and patients will be able to take part in a multi-canvas painting collaboration throughout the Hawkesbury health and hospital campus. Paintings will be hung permanently around the health campus.

17 July
10 to 11.30am – Hawkesbury District Health Service. Morning tea and priorities discussion with Hospital Management Committee members and community.

St John of God Richmond Hospital

2 to 9 July
St John of God Richmond Hospital. Caregivers will receive a free hot drink voucher redeemable at on-site cafes. There will also be a daily NAIDOC message for all caregivers.

3 July
10.00am - Belmont House Courtyard, St John of God Richmond Hospital. For caregivers and the community - the unveiling of the Uluru Statement from the Heart prints followed by a NAIDOC-centred conversation.