European Design Haus Reflects on NAIDOC Week 2025: Walking with the Next Generation

FOR PRESS RELEASE  Wednesday 9th July 2025

EUROPEAN DESIGN HAUS COMMUNITY STATEMENT

Title:
European Design Haus Reflects on NAIDOC Week 2025: Walking with the Next Generation

Subheading:
As NAIDOC Week celebrates The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, EDH recognises the power of design, leadership, and community in shaping stronger futures.

Body:

European Design Haus is proud to join this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations by honouring an inspiring story of leadership and legacy within our own team.

Beyond the realm of interiors and furniture, EDH Director Louise Vangestel co-leads a youth paddling program in partnership with the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre and the Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club on the Central Coast. The initiative welcomes young Aboriginal men — many of whom are incarcerated — into a safe, respectful and connected space on the water.

"They come in hesitant, unsure of their place," Louise reflects. "But through the rhythm of paddling, the stillness of Country, and the bonds of teamwork, something shifts. They begin to trust, to laugh, and to see themselves in a new light."

The program offers more than a sporting outlet; it is a space for reconnection, healing and growth. For EDH, these values align with our core belief that thoughtful design — like thoughtful leadership — should be grounded in empathy, respect, and long-term vision.

Louise's ongoing work in this space has been recognised at state level, recently earning her a place on the NSW Governments 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for her contribution to mentoring Indigenous youth and creating a culturally inclusive community through paddling.

As a design house grounded in European elegance, EDH understands that beauty extends beyond aesthetics — it's in the legacies we build and the people we support. This NAIDOC Week, we proudly celebrate those leading with vision, strength, and heart.

Media Contact:
Louise Vangestel
Director, European Design Haus
📧 sales@europeandesignhaus.com.au
🌐 europeandesignhaus.com.au