Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. www.naidoc.org.au
NAIDOC WEEK EVENTS
It was great to see our Community Resources staff get involved in NAIDOC events around the country, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Celebrations included flag raising, city marches, smoking ceremonies, traditional dances, basket weaving, bush tucker exploration, and just being on Country. Our staff walked away with more awareness and a profound respect #ForOurElders and the Traditional Custodians of the land.
FOR OUR ELDERS
To honour and celebrate them, we asked our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff to share stories and images of the important Elders and older family members in their lives.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this page contains images and names of people who have died.
NATALIE RIDGEWAY
CR - Cultural Lead
Madge Bolt
My awesome grandmother, Madge Bolt, who raised me from a very young age. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her unconditional love and support on this journey called life. Nan raised 11 children and provided a home for many of her grandchildren over the years. We were blessed to have her in our lives and continue to be guided by her from the dreaming.
Aunt Gertrude, Aunt Angela, Aunt Venita
My three beautiful Aunts who are the glue of our families. All Worimi Elders.
GLENN RIDGEWAY
Helping Hands - Metal Fabricator / Garden Maintenance
Aunt Muriel Brandy (passed) was a respected Elder in Dharawal Country.
Glenn’s parents, David and Robyn Ridgeway (both passed)
BRANDO RIDGEWAY
Homebase - Aboriginal Case Worker
Aunty Linda Currie (passed) was a respected Elder in Worimi Country. She was a mum to many.
KRYSTEN BANKS
CR - People & Culture
Painting of Aunty Marg who was a long-time employee of CR and a well-respected woman in community. She left an unbelievable legacy.
ABOUT AUNTY MARGIE
Margie saw challenges great and small as lessons. She had amazing capacity for acceptance of others, she gave a lot of herself and that's the way she rolled.
Knowing and being with her over the years encouraged me to be a better person, she had that effect on most, I still draw on her words and perspectives when facing life's more difficult moments.
She loved having fun and I hear her laugh all the time. I miss physically being with Marg, but I know she's everywhere still sharing and giving, and that she taught others who continue her mission for justice and unity. Always was, always will be.
TONI PAULSON
CR - Executive Assistant
I would like to acknowledge my nan and pops and their blended family of kids, all 13 of them.
From Worimi/Biripi/Bundjalung/Eora Countries.
Pop - Napier Paulson & Nan - Vera Paulson (nee Simon)
(from left) Dad, Toni, Mum
VALERIE WOOD
Homebase - Aboriginal Youth Case Worker
My eldest brother, Ray Saunders, the head of our family. I’m so very proud of him as an Elder of the community. He’s a professional Fisherman who owns a business and is a father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather to all.
Ray Saunders
RUSSELL PING
RRA - Reviva MidCoast Manager
(From left) Russell with Doc, Liam and Lyndon
Uncle
ANTHENA HUYNH
RRA - MCRS Team Leader
Anthena works alongside her dad, John, who is the Operations Manager of the MCRS.
My father John has been a hard worker all his life, he taught us to not be lazy whether through studying or working. Learning new skills is always an exciting opportunity for him, he is very happy to develop his skills. He has so many experiences in all different industries, it amazes me to hear his stories. While working with him, he has taught me how to improve my skills such as customer service, work ethic, driving a truck and forklift and has encouraged me to try new things.
My parents taught me our cultural traditions and customs for celebrations and everyday lifestyle which they were taught by their elders. Passing down these traditions and customs are things I want to pass down to further generations. Learning about them makes me proud of my culture and gives me a sense of belonging to my culture.
LUISA STEINKOGLER
Green Connect - Marketing and Communications Coordinator
My granny Uschi. She is 85 years old and very close to my heart.
She emigrated to Canada after the war, met her future husband from Austria there and together they came back to Germany in the 60s.
She has travelled a lot and has seen so many corners of the world which inspires me immensely.
CHARITY AVERY
Green Connect - Relationships Manager
This is my dad, the oldest person in my family.
My dad is the best Poppy.
As a child, my dad didn't know how to show love (though he did love us) so my favourite thing now is watching how affectionate and loving he is towards my children.
He tells me that my son, Kobe (pictured) was a gift to him from his Mum.
ROBERT SERVINE
Green Connect - General Manager
My grandfather on my dad's side was a big influence for me as a child.
He was taken from his family and tribe at the age of three and put into an orphanage. He ran away at 14, became a cowboy in America's Wild West, then lied about his age to enlist in the Navy to join the end of WW1.
My dad tells me stories of him bringing home strangers in need or stopping on the side of the road to help someone whose car had broken down. If someone was hungry, he and my grandmother would feed them. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back.
He died when I was 8 but until then we had spent a lot of time on his farm. I remember him well and have a fond memory of him teaching me how to use a whip, which he had learned while he was a cowboy.
My aunt says that I get my desire to help others from my grandfather; I don't know if that’s true, but I like to believe it is.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Australia and recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We walk together towards healing.
