In the spirt of Reconciliation Week, CDC NSW and Blacktown City Council recently hosted a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The event aimed to promote greater understanding, respect, and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
Commenced with a moving Welcome to Country ceremony performed by Krystal Mervin, a Dharug woman from Western Sydney, the event was followed by a traditional Smoking Ceremony and dance showcased by the Aboriginal cultural group, Yankay Cultural Connect.
CDC NSW general manager Rino Matarazzo says the event was a perfect representation of this years theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’.
‘’This year’s theme supports Reconciliation and recognising the rich cultures of Australia’s First Peoples which is extremely important,” says Matarazzo.
“We were honoured to collaborate with Blacktown City Council and share these traditions with our staff and the local community.”
A highlight of the event was the CDC NSW Yaama bus, a mobile education centre which educates communities about disability services and is designed to travel throughout NSW.
The Yaama bus is a fully equipped 12.5-meter bus transformed by the CDC Panel Shop to now have a kitchen, awnings, Wi-Fi connection, a meeting/classroom space, 3 interactive screens and its own power generator.
The Yaama Bus supports CDC NSW in promoting its recruitment activities as well as engaging indigenous communities across its 16 depots in metropolitan Sydney as well as in the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains.
Other highlights included a bush tucker feast and an acknowledgment of the former Mayor Tony Bleasdale, who recently passed away.
Auntie Elaine and Auntie Jenny from Baabayn expressed their joy at the success of the event.
“We feel privileged to share our culture with you.”