'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!' NAIDOC Week 2022
14th July 2022
Wilson Security acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we all live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture.
Last week was NAIDOC Week (3 - 10 July), a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - the oldest continuing cultures on earth.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2022 was Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! recognising the fight and resilience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have in the continued pursuit of First Nations peoples rights. Take a look at how we celebrated NAIDOC Week across our Australian offices.
Essendon Fields | VIC
Photo credit: Essendon Fields and Edward Wischer Productions
Essendon Fields Security office laced up their shoes and braved the cold to join The Little Long Walk around the Essendon Fields precinct. Hosted by Essendon Fields and The Long Walk Foundation, local families, friends and businesses banded together for a walk around the precinct, followed by cultural presentations and a Charity BBQ hosted by LaManna Melbourne.
After the community walk, guests were invited back to partake in a cultural presentation delivered by guest speakers including Wurundjeri elder Elder Autie Di, The Long Walk Foundation’s GM Leanne Brooke, The Hon. Ben Carroll (State MP for Niddrie and Minister for Public Transport, Industry Support and Recovery, Business Precincts, and Roads and Road Safety), and Brendan Pihan, CEO of Essendon Fields. During the presentation, guests personally reflected on how we can continue celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The Little Long Walk is the perfect metaphor for where our organization is at in its journey in understanding and respecting the history of Essendon Fields and the culture of the First Nations People that have looked after this land for a lot longer than the 100 years that an airport has been here,” said Brendan Pihan, CEO of Essendon Fields, who also proudly participated in the walk.
“We are taking our first steps. And we do that humbly, with open minds, and open hearts.”
Guests received an exclusive event scarf, a sausage and drink from LaManna Melbourne who hosted a Charity BBQ.
The office also aired National Indigenous Television (NITV) all week throughout the office, highlighting some key programs including NAIDOC Week Awards, Big Mob Brekky and Yothu Yindi Tribute Concert. NITV is a channel made by, for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It aims to inform, educate and entertain people about issues that matter the most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, offering a rich diversity of cultures, languages and talent.
North Terrace and Darwin | SA / NT
Adelaide North Terrace Security office were joined by the Darwin Security team for a morning tea to celebrate NAIDOC Week hosted by State Manager, Trent Mansfield.
Rivervale | WA
Rivervale Security office enjoyed a morning tea for NAIDOC Week with and heard from Noongar woman Mikala from Garli, an Indigenous owned and operated company specialising in Project Management Services. Mikala did an Acknowledgement of Country in Noongar and translated it for the team. They enjoyed getting to know Mikala and Pam from Garli over some native relishes from local supplier Black Pig Deli.
Bella Vista | NSW
Photo credit: KARI Foundation
Bella Vista Security office joined Evolve Communities Aunty Munya and Carla in their Yarning webinar. They heard of past champions of change and tips for how we can continue moving forward together.
Members of our Wilson Security NSW team also attended the KARI Foundation NAIDOC week luncheon on Friday 8th July. Representing Wilson Security was the newly appointed Indigenous Engagement officer, Adam Stone, and our NSW Operations Managers Heidi Minchin and Agha Saeed.
The luncheon was MC’d by the entertainment personality Luke Carrol (ABC’c Play School). The guests at the luncheon ranged from sports stars through to some of Australia’s most influential business groups, all there to support the incredible Aboriginal Women’s Foundation. KARI CEO, Casey Ralph, ran an exceptional Q&A with Luke Carrol (entertainment), Kylie Captain (author and educator) and Preston Campbell (NRL superstar) in regard to what NAIDOC week means to them.
The guests were both entertained and educated in so many areas of the indigenous cultures and how, we as a country can ‘Get Up! Stand Up! and Show Up!'. Adam Stone explained, “we had a great time and met some really important people regarding how we can build the pathways to success”.
You can find out more about NAIDOC Week, it's significance, history and this year's theme, by visiting naidoc.org.au.
