NAIDOC Week, held from 7 to 14 July 2024, is a special time for all Australians to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s theme, "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud," highlights the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, calling everyone to stand in solidarity and amplify the voices that have long been silenced.
Stories from Our Community
As part of the celebration, we asked some of our First Nations staff and volunteers for their insights:
Debbie, a Waanyi woman and Community Engagement Administrator at The Buzz Community Centre, emphasises the importance of NAIDOC Week in maintaining and preserving culture. "The theme to me means celebrating culture," she shares.
Issy, a youth member from the Southern Downs in the Queensland Youth Parliament, sees the theme as a call for unity and pride. "Be proud, be loud, and be yourself. Don't shy away from your heritage; it's yours, so own it," she advises younger generations.
Kait, a proud Bundjalung woman and youth member for Lockyer in the Queensland Youth Parliament, encourages embracing one's culture. "No matter how much you know about your culture, just do what you can and be proud of it. Try to get involved," she says. Kait also shared how she helped organised NAIDOC Week celebrations at a school, educating young children about First Nations history and culture through fun activities.
Celebrations Across Y Queensland Centres
Here’s how some of our centers celebrated NAIDOC Week:
- Miami OSHC created a “community tree” artwork to symbolise connection, led by a First Nations educator.
- Cheeky Monkeys Playgroup enjoyed activities like Rainbow Serpent Collages and Aboriginal Dot Painting.
- Edens Landing OSHC painted hands in the colors of the Aboriginal flag, forming a flame to reflect the theme. A Cultural Infusion program during Vacation Care helped deepen children’s understanding of Indigenous culture.
- The Y Acacia Ridge Early Learning Centre emphasised learning about First Nations history, culture, and achievements. Educators and children built a visual fire out of sticks and handprints, learned songs like “Taba Naba” and “Inanay,” and explored Dreamtime stories and the significance of the flags. They also walked together inspired by the “Walking Together” episode on Play School.
- Brisbane South Junior engaged in various activities, including creating artwork, making polymer clay earrings, and cooking a ‘Bush Tucker’ feast with Indigenous chef Marnie Parker. With 34% of students identifying as First Nations, Brisbane South Junior is proud to support their awareness and connection to Indigenous culture.
Committing to Cultural Heritage
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and to participate in celebrations of the oldest continuous living cultures on earth. Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of our nation. At YMCA Queensland, we are committed to celebrating and learning about the rich traditions of Australia’s First Nations people, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing this cultural heritage.
Join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week and honoring the unyielding spirit of our communities. Keep the fire burning—Blak, loud, and proud!
