NAIDOC 2025: 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy'

HSS employees celebrated the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week with a special event. This year’s theme ‘Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ was featured strongly throughout the event and a collaborative artwork by Aboriginal employees was unveiled which be an ongoing tribute to the theme.

Elder Danny Ford (Kambarang Services) opened the event with an official Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony. When speaking of the NAIDOC theme he spoke to the importance of the next generation of Aboriginal youth embracing culture and language to continue the legacy of those who came before them.  

Guest speaker Wendy Casey, Director Aboriginal Health Policy Directorate, Department of Health about ongoing changes in the Aboriginal Health space, while Emma Garlett, Director Garlett Group provided her own perspective, being part of the next generation of Aboriginal people carrying the torch across multiple areas of Aboriginal affairs.   

After the presentations, a collaborative artwork created by Aboriginal employees at HSS was unveiled to commemorate the special occasion. Based on this year’s theme the work representing the strength, vision and legacy of the Aboriginal community and cultures that the artists belong to.

Arranged by Jasmin Unno, Graduate Communications Officer, the words and ideas became a captivating artwork as they worked together and painted their words into form.

Lenka Rivers, Aboriginal ICT Cadet, said, “Creating my piece was a really grounding and enjoyable experience. It gave me the chance to connect with my colleagues on a more personal level, through conversations that weren’t just about work. That made the experience even more special.
 
“My hope is that everyone takes a moment to engage with the stories behind each piece. There’s so much to learn from the different perspectives and experiences represented in this artwork. NAIDOC Week is a time for reflection, respect, and recognition, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.”
 
The artworks will be replicated and displayed across our HSS locations, and we’re honoured and proud our colleagues were willing to share their stories with us.