NAIDOC Week 2024: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud
NAIDOC Week is a significant event that celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from July 7th to 14th. This year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud,” encourages us to embrace and support First Nations communities.
Dr Jeff Walkley, our National Disability and Diversity Manager and CEO of Belgravia Foundation says, “Belgravia acknowledges and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Traditional Custodians of Country, paying respect to their cultures and Elders past and present.”
Belgravia Foundation and Belgravia Leisure “are actively engaging with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through comprehensive RAP consultations. As a result of these extensive consultations, several key initiatives will be implemented. We are committed to fostering genuine, impactful relationships with First Nations communities.
At every chance the local venues and leaders “eagerly embraced opportunities to engage with Elders, leaders, organisations and stakeholders across many communities in Australia and New Zealand. Our dedication is proudly shared in our Statement of Social Inclusion,” Jeff said.
Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation provide continual resources and training opportunities for the team to actively support First Nations communities.
The internal platform offers valuable guides such as “Delivering an Acknowledgement of Country” and “Welcoming All,” empowering our staff to engage respectfully and meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Belgravia Foundation is proud of its ongoing initiatives and partnerships that support First Nations communities. Our First Nations Learn to Swim program, in collaboration with the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, provides weekly swimming lessons to 23 local First Nations youths in Liverpool, promoting water safety and life-saving skills.
During National Reconciliation Week, the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council celebrated Ernest Kulauzovic and Nicole Bain for their outstanding efforts in fostering reconciliation and community spirit in Liverpool, NSW.
Ernest, as Belgravia Leisure’s Community Engagement Manager for South-West and Western Sydney, has been instrumental in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the local council, which has significantly increased community engagement.
Nicole, the Aquatics Services Manager at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, has played a vital role in supporting the Learn to Swim Program, ensuring First Nations children have access to free swimming lessons.
Lacey Faulkner, a 16-year-old Kiosk Assistant at Copper Coast Sport & Leisure Centre, has made a remarkable contribution by designing a striking football guernsey worn by the local Kadina Football Club during the Indigenous round.
Her design, rich in cultural significance, symbolises unity, culture and community spirit. Lacey’s involvement extends beyond design: she has also played a crucial role in shaping our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Belgravia Foundation are also proud of the events at Dingley Village Adventure Golf, which are hosted with the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place (Youth) Group and foster community engagement and connection.