10 November 2020
Our four organisational values - Derech eretz (Respect), Kehilla (Community), Hachlala (Inclusion), and Achrayoot Chevratit (Social Responsibility) – guide us in how we think about the community we serve. These values have a strong influence on the work we do and how we conduct ourselves outside of this work. These values resonate deeply during this week as we recognise NAIDOC Week, which originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, a committee once responsible for organising NAIDOC Week activities.
NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect and to celebrate the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Australia’s First Nation Peoples – recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters and celebrating their ongoing contribution to our country and society.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2020 is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, recognising that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. NAIDOC 2020 invites everyone to see, hear, learn about and embrace the history of this country which dates back thousands of generations.
Jewish Care acknowledges that there is embedded prejudice and discrimination against members of many minority groups within Australian society. Similar to the Jewish experience, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have experienced atrocities, persecution, marginalisation and dislocation.
I encourage everyone to join in the virtual NAIDOC Week celebrations occurring across the country. I am particularly excited about a virtual tour through the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens to explore common bushfood plants that can be grown in your backyard hosted by Aboriginal Learning Facilitators from Victoria’s Royal Botanic Gardens. To find out more, visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events
This week is a wonderful opportunity to be involved and celebrate our First Nations people and to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and history
Bill Appleby
Chief Executive Officer