Afford celebrates NAIDOC Week with traditional dance and culture

Aboriginal inspired face painting and a traditional cleansing ceremony. These were just some of the activities that were held at Afford’s Green Valley Day Program to observe NAIDOC Week in 2020.

Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) is a not-for-profit disability provider that supports individuals to achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS.

Supporting individuals of all abilities to participate in meaningful and community minded activities form the basis for program development across Afford disability services.

In recognition of indigenous culture during NAIDOC Week (8-15 November), Green Valley Day Program staff organised for representatives of the local indigenous people to visit and reflect on the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Green Valley Day Program celebrated NAIDOC Week in July when the activities are traditionally observed. The site was bright with colour, dance, art and music. 

NAIDOC Week celebrations began at Green Valley with clients having their faces painted with the colours of the Aboriginal flag.

Staff and participants then welcomed Jason, from the DHARAWAL people, who talked to the group about Aboriginal culture.

Jason asked Afford staff to join him in a cleansing ceremony, as a sign of new beginning for the community. A welcome dance followed with depictions of the kangaroo, emu and eagle. Participants of all abilities joined in the dance and movements.

An important part of the welcome ceremony involved placing clay handprints onto a surface to be kept and recognised as a symbol of solidarity. An Afford jacket was chosen as the surface. Handprints adorn the jacket, which is now displayed proudly in a frame at the Green Valley site.

Throughout the day, clients were supported to complete Aboriginal inspired dot painting on plywood boomerangs. 

Afford encourages and understanding and appreciation of communities and cultures. Individuals living with disability are supported to learn more about the world around them and the cultures and history that makes up their local community.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 68 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day.

As one of Australia’s longest-serving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford goes above and beyond traditional service offerings to adapt to new operating environments to support individuals achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS.

For more information visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673. 

ENDS

Media Contact: Maria Crema: Crema PR m 0402 239 929 e maria@cremapr.com.au 

About Afford - www.afford.com.au

The Australian Foundation for Disability is a registered charity providing disability services to thousands of people across Australia. The supports provided by Afford include Shared Living; Overnight Respite; Social and Community Programs; Transition to Work Programs; Transition to Retirement Programs; Carer Support; Disability Employment Services; Supported Employment; Allied Health Support, Support Coordination and Supported Holidays.