NAIDOC Week at Calvary Mater Newcastle

At Calvary Mater Newcastle, NAIDOC Week celebrations kicked off on Monday morning, with Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer, Margaret Whitson, leading staff and friends of the Mater in the celebration march from Civic Park to the Foreshore.

Braving the rain, proud Worimi man, Leigh Ridgeway, led staff in an Acknowledgement of Country and smoking ceremony. Leigh also spoke to staff about the meaning of NAIDOC Week, the importance of belonging and the role of Elders – honouring this years’ theme.

Meanwhile indoors, OzTukka did a fantastic job feeding the masses with scones topped with native jams and creams.

Later in the week, we were lucky enough to have Lili Holmes, Preston Connors and Thomas Croft on-site to showcase their talents with weaving and dot painting. Staff and passersby were quick to jump in and give the crafts a crack!

Thank you to all who took part in the celebrations, shared their culture and stories, and helped us mark the week in a meaningful way.