NAIDOC week celebrations

8 July 2019

It’s been an exciting day as we kick off our NAIDOC week celebrations at DPC! NAIDOC week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC week celebrations smoking ceremony

This year’s theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future. DPC and Treasury’s Diversity and Inclusion Council have arranged a number of events throughout the week.

The morning began with a smoking ceremony conducted by Les Daniel of Tribal Warrior to cleanse bad spirits and welcome staff into the office. The Premier attended the ceremony along with Minister Harwin and DPC Secretary Tim Reardon.

This was followed by a morning tea launch where a permanent installation of the Australian, NSW, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags was unveiled. Aaron Gow from DPC NSW Industrial Relations Aboriginal Engagement Unit gave a moving talk, reflecting on his own experiences as a proud Darug / Gadigal descendant and talking through the meaning of this year’s NAIDOC week theme.