Get up! Stand up! Show up! was the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week and that’s exactly what CDC Northern Territory did to help support local celebrations last week.
NAIDOC Week 2022 ran from 3-10 July and celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was a great opportunity for all Australians to learn more about the country’s Indigenous communities.
CDC’s Customer Experience Manager NT, Ross Robertson said the Berrimah-based company (formerly Buslink) had been involved with local NAIDOC Week celebrations for many years. He and Community Engagement Manager, Colin Majid have a close working relationship with Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, who get behind a strong program of events, and support their endeavours as much as they can.
“We are a part of the community, and we like to give back,” Mr Robertson said.
He said this year CDC Northern Territory attended, sponsored and volunteered at many events, including the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival, the Larrakia Nation official Flag Raising Ceremony, the Jak Ah Kit Memorial Golf Day, the Darwin NAIDOC Breakfast March and the Palmerston NAIDOC Family Fun Day.
The Deadly Cup
The Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival was the brainchild of Shaun Tatipata, the owner of Deadly Enterprises, Australia’s first Aboriginal-owned optical provider. His goal is to contribute to closing the gap in eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians by providing access to culturally safe and socially responsive eye care.
This year’s game was held on Sunday 3 July at the TRL Stadium in Darwin.
The NT All Stars won the senior men’s match, the Indigenous All Stars the senior women’s match, the NT All Stars the U18, U16 and U14 boys’ matches as well as the U16 girls’ match. The winner of the invitational team match was the ADF Indigenous All Stars. The day also included the Deadly Sprints competition.
Teresa Paterson won first prize in the CDC Northern Territory Deadly Cup Bus Competition, with Jackie McSkimming and Luca De La Cruz in second and third place.
Mr Robertson said it was a “very good day” with a huge crowd in attendance.
City of Darwin NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony
The NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony took place at 9am on Monday, 4 July in Larrakia Park. The crowd heard important messages delivered by dignitaries including Indigenous leaders, NT’s Chief Minister and the Lord Mayor.
Mr Robertson said many members of staff attended this year’s opening and had done so in the past.
As a symbol of unity, five flags were raised on the morning: the Larrakia flag, the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait Islander flag, the Northern Territory flag and the Australian flag.
The Jak Ah Kit Memorial Golf Day
The memorial golf day is held each year in honour of John “Jak” Ah Kit, who was a fierce leader and advocate for First Nations people.
The competition was once again staged at the Darwin Golf Club, with teams tackling the popular course. CDC’s Community Engagement Manager NT, Colin Majid, a keen golfer who led his own team on the day, volunteers as part of the organising committee each year.
CDC’s Community Experience Manager, Ross Robertson (pictured with winners) said the golf day is one of the highlights of NAIDOC Week.
“We’ve been involved for a few years now. I was pleased to handout various prizes during presentations, and Colin played in the tournament. His team didn’t win, but a good day was had by all.”
Darwin NAIDOC Breakfast March
This popular annual march through Darwin streets was another highlight in the Territory’s celebrations. Several CDC staff took part in the march, which began at the State Square in front of Parliament House and finished at the Herbert Street Park.
Marchers listened to inspiring speeches, watched dance performances, and perused market stalls following the walk.
Larrakia Nation posted on its Facebook page after the event: “Huge turnout for the NAIDOC March this morning. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated, to the sponsors and stall holders. It was a very special day.”
Palmerston NAIDOC Family Fun Day
CDC Northern Territory is known for its fantastic barbecues supporting good causes around Darwin, so it was no surprise the team cooked up a storm at the Palmerston NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Sunday, 10 July 2022.
The event, which was one of the last on the Territory’s calendar of events, was held at the Palmerston Pool and was a great way to cap off a fantastic week of First Nations celebrations.
