June has been a month of connection, creativity and cultural celebration across KARI. From school workshops and national partnerships to cultural programs and community visits, our team continues to support and uplift Aboriginal children, young people and families.
We’re also proud to have reached a major milestone in our PSP program—full five-year accreditation from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian.
Read on for the highlights from June and a look ahead to NAIDOC Week 2025, where we celebrate the Next Generation – Strength, Vision, Legacy.
Roosters NRLW Cultural Workshop – Bathurst
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Our Head of Culture and Engagement, Troy Dargan, delivered a powerful cultural workshop in Bathurst with the Roosters NRLW team.
The session was so well-received that players chose to work through their lunch and even rescheduled their yoga to finish decorating their clapsticks.
The workshop created space for deep conversations around identity and culture, leaving a lasting impression on the team.
School Didgeridoo Programs
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KARI’s Community Programs and Opportunity Hub teams delivered 2 in-school didgeridoo workshops for male students at:
- Liverpool Boys High School
- All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool
Male students stripped raw timber and crafted their very own didgeridoos to take home, a hands-on connection to culture and creativity.
These sessions empowered students to connect with traditional tools, while learning about the cultural significance of the instrument.
Western Sydney Airport Experience
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On Friday 20 June, Opportunity Hub students from Patrician Brothers’ Fairfield visited the Western Sydney Airport Experience Centre for a cultural immersion program.
The day included a powerful session on Songlines in Aboriginal culture, followed by an employment readiness talk from Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES).
Students left the day with a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage and a clearer understanding of future employment pathways.
Hub School Visit – Cooking at Evans High
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On 25 June, Aboriginal students at Evans High School in Blacktown cooked up a storm with our Opportunity Hub mentors. The group got hands-on in the school’s commercial kitchen, whipping up a delicious taco feast while building connection and confidence.
Sharing food and learning together created a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that encouraged positive peer bonding.
The Greater Western Sydney Opportunity Hub is funded by the NSW Government.
Chaz Mostert x Optus Indigenous Helmet Reveal
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Supercars driver Chaz Mostert proudly unveiled a one-of-a-kind helmet for Indigenous Round in Darwin, designed by four talented students and KARI Foundation in partnership with Optus.
Titled “Four Paths, One Spirit”, the artwork represents the sacred connection between land, people, and tradition.
This incredible opportunity gave our students national exposure and a chance to showcase culture through motorsport on a global platform.
NAIDOC Vacation Care Packs
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KARI staff have been hard at work preparing Vacation Care Packs for Carer households across the country.
These packs included:
- A NAIDOC Week activity booklet
- A tote bag featuring artwork by Summer Thompson
- A boomerang and photo frame to decorate
- Colourful textas to complete the activities
This initiative brings meaningful cultural activities into the home during the school holidays and celebrates the creativity of our young people.
KARI PSP (Out of home care) Accreditation
Following three comprehensive monitoring visits by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) in November 2024, March 2025, and May 2025, KARI is proud to report that we have been granted five-year full accreditation, a significant and affirming milestone for our organisation.
This achievement reflects the high standards, diligence, and commitment of our entire team across all facets of service delivery and operational excellence. While formal written feedback is expected in the coming weeks, initial high-level observations received during the final visit at our Liverpool office were overwhelmingly positive.
Looking Ahead – NAIDOC Week 2025
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As we move into July, we’re excited to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme, “Next Generation, Strength, Vision, Legacy,” celebrates the powerful spirit of our future leaders, and the enduring connection to culture that shapes who we are.
Throughout NAIDOC Week, the KARI team will be attending community events across Sydney, offering:
- Cultural activities and performances
- NAIDOC-themed giveaways and merchandise
- Community support and information
- Free Optus SIM activations
Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside us this month whether through playgroup, performance, sport, or shared learning. Your continued support helps us strengthen culture, build opportunity and celebrate community in everything we do.
Want to support KARI? Your generosity makes a real difference—every dollar you donate helps build brighter futures for Aboriginal children, young people, and their families. Donate here
