On Wednesday 5th July we hosted the second annual KARI NAIDOC Luncheon. This year’s event was a sell-out, with 120 guests joining us at the Museum of Contemporary Arts.
The theme of NAIDOC for 2017 was Our Languages Matter.
As guests arrived, they enjoyed welcome drinks in the sunshine overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Once guests were seated, Uncle Allen Madden delivered his stirring Welcome to Country. The Welcome to Country pays respect to Elders past and present as well as acknowledging the traditional owners of the land.
It truly was a celebration of culture from the get-go as the Muggerra Dance Group performed a few traditional performances. They then got members of the audience on their feet to participate in a traditional song and dance.
The students from our Vocal Identification Program (VIP) followed, performing Djapana in Language, led by Joshua Kalaw on lead vocals. Thank you to all the students who performed on the day – you were all spectacular!
This year’s keynote speaker Nova Peris delivered her address, discussing the positive effect of her sporting career on her as an Indigenous Australian. We thank Nova for her time as well as for sharing her story with us all.
As the day drew to a close, guests received a gift bag with a selection of native jams as well as chutneys from Indigiearth to enjoy.
Thank you to the following sponsors who helped us make the day such a success.
- Commonwealth Bank
- The Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Your generous contributions continue to make an incredible difference to the important work that we do.
You can view the images from the day here.
If you would like to get involved in the 2018 KARI NAIDOC Luncheon please contact Charlotte Long on 8782 0344 or charlotte.long@kari.org.au.
If you’re interested in finding out how you can support any of KARI’s other programs please contact Mia Matheson on 02 8782 03044 or mia.matheson@kari.org.au.
