As we wrap up a busy and inspiring July, we’re proud to share some of the incredible work happening across KARI. From NAIDOC Week celebrations and art competitions, to digital literacy programs and cultural events, this month has been a powerful reminder of the strength and creativity within our community.
We’ve had the opportunity to connect with families, young people, partners, and supporters across NSW, QLD, and Victoria, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum.
Vacation Care Packs Delivered Across the Country
. Last month, KARI staff sent out Vacation Care Packs to carer households right across Australia.
Packed with fun, creativity and culture, these NAIDOC-themed activity kits were designed to keep young people engaged during the school holidays while celebrating their artistic talents.
We were excited to receive entries for the art competition included in the packs. A huge congratulations goes out to the talented young artists who impressed us with their creativity.
Three winners will receive a prize in recognition of their efforts.
Thank you to everyone who took part, we loved seeing your artwork come to life!
Reflecting on NAIDOC Week 2025
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What an incredible week it was! NAIDOC Week 2025 was filled with energy, connection, and celebration, and our team loved every moment of it. With this year’s theme, “Next Generation, Strength, Vision, Legacy,” we had the honour of engaging with communities across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland to celebrate culture, share stories, and support the leaders of tomorrow.
The KARI team attended a full schedule of community events, offering cultural activities, performances, giveaways, and support services. From Bankstown to Burramatta, and all the way to regional and interstate events, we were blown away by the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone who came by to say hello, have a yarn, and join in the celebrations.
Thank you to all the families, partners, and community members who helped make this NAIDOC Week so special. We’re proud to walk alongside you, celebrating the strength and legacy of our people—past, present, and future.
KARI Corporate Games a Huge Success
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As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, we were proud to host the KARI Corporate Games, and what a day it was! Held at the stunning Prince Henry Centre in Little Bay, the event brought together teams from a range of organisations for a day of cultural challenges, networking, and plenty of laughs.
Participants took part in a variety of unique activities, including Cultural Cooking with our Cultural Unit Coordinator and Chef, Brendan Lee, where they created kangaroo spaghetti and crocodile Caesar salad using traditional ingredients. Cultural Trivia with KARI CEO Casey Ralph and Ambassador Beau Champion brought out everyone’s competitive side, while the rock carving challenge with Head of Culture Troy Dargan gave teams a creative edge. There was also a vibrant cultural dance workshop delivered by Jodie Choolburra-Welsh, Founder of the Brolga Dance Academy, which was a clear crowd favourite.
A big congratulations to Walanga Muru – Macquarie University, who came out on top with an impressive trivia score. They are a university, so we suspect they may have had a bit of an advantage!
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day one to remember.
KARI Cultural Unit Joins ADCO Across 4 sites in NSW and QLD
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NSW
This month, KARI’s Cultural Unit visited two ADCO sites, including Western Sydney Airport, to deliver a powerful cultural team building experience for staff.
KARI Australia was also proud to stand alongside ADCO and Councillor Merri Southwood, Mayor of Lane Cove, for the official naming of the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre, now known as Galuwa Sports & Recreation Centre.
Galuwa, meaning “to climb”, is a beautiful reflection of the purpose behind this new community space, a place to grow, connect, and move forward together.
QLD
KARI’s Cultural Unit visited two Queensland sites, Ormeau and Brisbane Airport, to deliver hands-on cultural experiences.
Participants shared their personal stories by drawing onto wooden hand cut-outs, which they then stood up and presented to the group, a powerful moment of connection and storytelling. Each participant kept their hand as a reminder of the day.
The sessions also included traditional activities such as spear throwing and an attempt at fire-making. The Ormeau site was successful in creating fire, adding to the excitement of the day!
These visits are part of our continued commitment to strengthening cultural identity and understanding in communities across the country.
Book a cultural experience at your workplace or event.
KAP Connecting at Optus NAIDOC Week Event
KAP was proud to take part in Optus’s Procurement NAIDOC Week event on 9 July, held in celebration of First Nations businesses and their contributions.
The supplier expo offered a valuable opportunity to showcase who we are, what we offer, and how we can support Optus in the future.
It was a day filled with meaningful conversations and new connections across different areas of the business. We’re grateful for the warm welcome and excited to see how these relationships develop into strong and lasting partnerships.
Email kap@kari.org.au to find out about KARI Aboriginal Procurement.
Recycle with Purpose: Partner with KARI for Container Collection
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Is your business located in Sydney or Melbourne? Want to make a positive impact while keeping your workplace tidy?
KARI can help you recycle eligible cans and drink containers. We’ll supply bins and organise regular collection straight from your workplace, making it easy to do good for the environment and support our community at the same time.
Whether you’re a small office or a large organisation, every container counts. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, reach out to nathan.hughes@kari.org.au to get started.
Let’s turn your recyclables into real change!
Aboriginal Family Support: Blue Mountains Cultural Tour
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During NAIDOC Week, some of our KARI families had the opportunity to take part in a cultural tour of the Blue Mountains, a truly special day spent walking on Dharug and Gundungurra Country.
We began with a smoking ceremony in a Katoomba park before walking down to a waterfall, where everyone took part in a hands-on ochre experience. There was a strong sense of connection as participants applied ochre to one another, sharing in the spirit of culture and togetherness.
The group then made their way to a lookout, where Uncle Yamandirra shared Dreaming stories, including the deeper truth behind the well-known tale of the Three Sisters, who are part of a group of seven.
The day wrapped up with lunch at a local pie shop, ending on a delicious note. It was a beautiful experience of connection, learning, and being grounded in culture, community, and Country.
Opportunity Hub Kicks Goals with Western Sydney Wanderers
This July, the Greater Western Sydney Opportunity Hub teamed up with the Western Sydney Wanderers to host a school holiday clinic at Jamison Park in Penrith. Around 25 young participants joined in for a fun-filled day of soccer drills, skill-building, and team spirit.
It was a great opportunity for the kids to stay active during the break while connecting with role models from the local sporting community. A big thank you to the Wanderers for making it such a memorable day!
The Greater Western Sydney Opportunity Hub is funded by the NSW Government
Digital Ready: Empowering Our Community with New Skills
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This month, KARI partnered with OneTraining to deliver the Digital Ready program at our Liverpool office, a five-day course designed to build digital confidence for work, study, and everyday life.
Open to KARI clients, carers, young people, and the wider community, the program offered hands-on learning in everything from operating digital devices and career planning, to using AI tools and preparing for job opportunities. Child-minding was also available to support parents with young children.
Participants walked away with nationally recognised units of competency, a new laptop, 12 months of free internet, and the chance to reduce fines through the Work Development Order program, making this not only an educational opportunity but a practical support initiative too.
A big thank you to OneTraining and everyone who took part. We’re proud to help equip our community with the tools they need for a more connected future.
Celebrating Creativity: PSP NAIDOC Art Competition Winners
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This month, KARI PSP held our very first NAIDOC Art Competition for young people in Out of Home Care, and the results were incredible!
We were truly blown away by the creativity, heart, and cultural pride shown in every entry.
A huge thank you to all the young artists who took part and helped make this such a special initiative. We’re already excited to see it grow in the years to come.
Congratulations to our 2025 winners:
🎨 Junior Winner: Aylirra (11)
🎨 Senior Winner: Tia (16)
🎨 CEO Award Winner: Alison (8)
Your artwork inspired us all, well done!
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, or shared a moment with us this month. Whether through art, culture, sport, learning or simply spending time together, these experiences continue to shape the work we do. We look forward to what’s ahead, and as always, we’re grateful to walk this journey with you.
