Njernda Aboriginal Corporation held its NAIDOC Week Morning Tea, where hundreds of members from the Indigenous and broader Echuca-Moama communities were present.
Njernda Board members, directors and staff held the event at Njernda Medical Centre on Monday, July 8, at 10am.
The morning tea featured a welcome to country, smoking ceremony, Indigenous foods and guest speeches from Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos and Campaspe Shire Council First Nations engagement officer Suzy Barlow.
Members of the Echuca-Moama community, including representatives from the local police, council and Echuca Regional Health, were present to celebrate the start of NAIDOC Week with Njernda.
Njernda chief executive John Mitchell was thrilled with how the morning tea went, especially after reflecting on Njernda’s history and 50-year milestone.
“The morning tea today has been excellent and humbling; we are very proud, especially for Njernda’s 50th anniversary,” he said.
“It’s been great to see community partners and networks that we work with today in Echuca-Moama.
“We were established in 1974, so we are delighted and proud to be where we are today, especially with our medical centre and family services programs.”
Mr Mitchell was satisfied with the turnout from the broader community and their support for First Nations communities.
“It is one of the biggest turnouts that we have had in recent memory for the start of NAIDOC Week,” he said.
“The turnout here is amazing, and I am very proud. A lot of individuals have come along, and it’s great to see the support from the wider community for us.
“It shows that Njernda has respect and understanding from the wider community regarding what we do and how we operate.”
Njernda worker Des Morgan, an essential member of the organisation for 40 years, spoke about the importance of events such as the morning tea in fostering support and understanding between communities in Echuca-Moama and acknowledging the history of Indigenous people in the area.
“It’s great to see so many here; it means people are willing to come along with us and bridge those gaps in understanding within the community, so it’s fantastic,” he said.
“I think for the wider community to engage in NAIDOC Week is excellent for harmony and to know that we are supported in our goals to achieve health, education, housing and overall wellbeing.
“It means a lot for Njernda to reach the 50th anniversary milestone; it means that the strength of our elders who faced all the odds has shined through.”