NAIDOC Week events 2023

To mark NAIDOC Week, four of our campuses were treated to special events coordinated by our Aboriginal Support Officers to inform, educate and celebrate with our staff.

The celebrations focused on this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “For Our Elders”, and we were very privileged to be joined by Elders from the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

In keeping with this year’s theme, it was a great opportunity to recognise the Elders for the important role they have and continue to play in our communities and families.

Burnie campus

Burnie Campus held their 2023 NAIDOC Week celebrations last Tuesday.

Brenton Brown, with some help from his son Aknah, provided the cultural performance which included a smoking ceremony.

Local Elder, Lionel Burgess, honoured us by raising the flag.

Alanvale campus

Local Elder Uncle Hank Horton was the guest speaker who told his story and how Elders have, and will continue to guide him through life, this was followed by some Didge playing.

Staff, students, and community members including local Aboriginal Elders were treated to some cultural food and displays.

Aboriginal Student Zack Everett did a display of items he has produced during his studies in Fashion Design at TasTAFE Alanvale.

TasTAFE CEO Grant Dreher, and some Executive members along with Board Member Naomi Walsh, attended the event.

Devonport campus

Brenton Brown provided a cultural performance with local Aboriginal community members attending, along with TasTAFE staff and students.

There were cultural displays, competitions, and food tastings.

Campbell Street campus

Our Campbell Street campus was treated to a wonderful celebration featuring beautiful speeches by Djuker Hart and our own Aboriginal Support Officer, Jan Langridge, as well as a didge playing and dance performance by Djuker, Harley Jac Mansell and Zane Scotney-Barron.

Attendees were also treated to fascinating information displays and wallaby meatballs, muttonbird, and damper food tastings.

We were very privileged to be joined by Elders from the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.