SQRH staff member Jane White participated in the Charleville NAIDOC Committee and both staff and students were delighted to hear inspirational speeches as well as witness beautiful Aboriginal dancing at the opening ceremony at Charleville State High School Harmony Garden.

SQRH supported students attended a special gathering at the Charleville Yumba where they were very lucky to watch the high school students working the Bangarra dance group. Charleville State High School Community Education Counsellor Jolene Russell and teacher Aimee Doleman worked with students teaching them Traditional Bidjara Language, as a song to their dance performance. The students were able to gain a very rare insight into importance of language and creative expression used by Bidjara Traditional Owners.

SQRH Toowoomba staff attended community, Darling Downs Health and University of Southern Queensland events and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language, song, dance and artwork. Among the many inspirational speeches, it was great to hear from USQ alumni, Francis Nona, who overcame much adversity to become a registered nurse. The 2019 NAIDOC theme “Voice Treaty Truth” was a strong message and a call to action for everyone to learn about, discuss and work together for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.