High School celebrates NAIDOC at Calvary St Paul’s

On Friday 28 July, residents and staff of Calvary St Paul’s residential aged care home were paid a visit by Taree High School’s indigenous teenagers, teacher’s aide and elders as part of delayed NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Acknowledging the history and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an important part of Calvary’s daily operations, with this day at St Paul’s being no exception. The local teenagers are of the Biripi people, the traditional custodians of the land on which the home sits, the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Supported by Mikah Gibson – Indigenous teacher’s aide – and local Elder Russell Saunders, the teenagers performed a Welcome dance followed by Kangaroo and Honey Bee performances.

Performed to the delight of the residents, who then enjoyed morning tea in the St Paul’s garden alongside both the teenagers and elders.

“We thank the teenagers, Mikah Gibson and elder Russell Saunders for their assistance with the celebration. The residents loved the acknowledgement of country and enjoyed participating in the day,” says Calvary St Paul’s Clinical Care Coordinator, Margo Meredith.

Thank you to the efforts of Home Manager Michelle McKenna and the rest of the team involved, the day was a huge success.