Every year, the beginning of NAIDOC Week in Victoria is marked by the official Flag Raising Ceremony, honouring the continued connection to culture, country and language of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
NAIDOC Week is a significant occasion that holds tremendous meaning for all Australians. This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” is an important reminder that our Elders are the keepers of both culture and lore, and are the most important aspect of healing our people.
GJK Facility Services was pleased to send Nerida Robertson and Loyal Johaan as our representatives at the Ceremony, which involves a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country, and a one-minute silence in honour of Aboriginal Elders who had passed to the Dreaming in the past year, and for all ancestors who had fought for the survival of Aboriginal peoples and cultures.
They said:
“Elders have the enormous task of maintaining and passing on traditional knowledge, values and customary practices, while helping us find balance as we navigate between different worlds. They have laid the foundations for us to be successful across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics, and everything in between.”