A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Happy NAIDOC Week! 

Our deadly Community Resources’ NAIDOC t-shirts show this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’; a powerful call to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, reclaim narratives and amplify voices. 

By donning these shirts, our staff honour the enduring strength and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, symbolised by the ever-burning fire of tradition and resilience. 

So, what is the importance of fire? 

For Mob, fire is life. A powerful tool for ‘fire-stick farming’, hunting, cooking, sending signals and warmth. An important symbol of our connection to Country and each other. 

It was – and still is – used for ceremonies and to bring people together. Many stories, legends, traditions, and dances have been passed down around the fire. 

Last Wednesday, SBS reported on GunaiKurnai Elder Uncle Russell Mullett’s work in Cloggs Cave, showing how Aboriginal mulla-mullung (magic people) used fire 12,000 years ago, in a ceremonial practice that continues today.  

Communities burned bushland to manage the land naturally, encouraging growth and protecting wildlife. Warren Foster, Elder and Knowledge Holder for the Yuin Nation says, “As we’re burning Country, we’re healing it”.  

The Dreamtime Story, 'The First Fire', from the NSW North Coast, tells how the first fire came to be, and is a great read if you have a moment.  

Two brothers from the sky world, brought their firesticks down to earth when they were hunting for possums and accidentally left them burning, setting the landscape on fire. The Aboriginal people came to see what was going on. They had never seen fire before but realised it could be extremely useful for light, warmth and cooking. Before the sky men came back, the Aboriginal men lit firesticks for themselves and carried them back to their camps. 

"We must watch over these firesticks and carefully keep them burning forever," they told each other. 

The two brothers returned to the sky, worried about the damage they’d caused with their firesticks. But rather than being angry, the Aboriginal people were excited and grateful for the wonderful gift of fire. 

This NAIDOC Week, celebrate and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history, and achievements. Connect with the richness of the world's oldest living culture. By coming together, we can build understanding and create a future where our stories, traditions, and achievements are fully valued. 

And together, we can keep the fire burning bright.

Marc 

PS. NAIDOC Week publishes a list of deadly local events happening around the country. I encourage you to check out what is happening near you and get involved. Local NAIDOC Week events | NAIDOC   

NAIDOC WEEK EVENTS

We encourage everyone to attend a NAIDOC event in your area, to help celebrate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People around Australia.

NAIDOC VIDEOS

 

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.