News

The National NAIDOC Committee invites all Australians to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a movement of the nation for a better future.

Three new members were warmly welcomed onto the National NAIDOC Committee (NNC) recently as preparations for NAIDOC Week 2019 got underway. Kimberley Benjamin, Gordon Cole and Steven Satour joined other NNC members in Canberra back in September at the first NAIDOC planning meeting of the Committee post NAIDOC 2018. NAIDOC Co-Chairs John Paul Janke and Pat Thompson said that the Committee was excited to welcome new members who each bring experiences, skills and a strong passion for NAIDOC.

The National NAIDOC Committee has welcomed three new members to its ranks as planning commence for NAIDOC 2019.  The new board members are: 

Are you interested in setting the direction for national NAIDOC Week celebrations? Do you have the skills, passion and networks to help us drive and grow the celebrations?

I am a Bardi Jawi woman from the Kimberley, I grew up in Broome and spent a lot of time around the ocean.  While growing up my Nana Lexie would always encouraged me to find a career that made me happy and to find a way to bring my career back home to country.  Every moment spent with her was a lesson, she was a determined, very hard working woman who lived through a difficult time in Australian history.  I am always amazed at how her strength allowed her to overcome her disadvantages and provide her children and grandchildren

The outstanding achievements and enormous contributions of two of this nation’s most prominent Indigenous women were among those recognised at the 2018 National NAIDOC Awards held in Sydney this evening.

John Paul Janke co-host of NITV Australia's The Point, once read a quote which perfectly sums up his mother Joanna Jaima Janke (or ‘Nana JJ’ as his family calls her).  “My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. She is the beating of my heart.” I simply cannot imagine where I’d be with my mother influence and guidance in my life. 

My name is Patricia Conlon, my family are from Cherbourg Aboriginal township approximately 350 kms northwest of Brisbane.  

Rayleen Brown’s story is a story of humble beginnings, hard work and passion. Born in Darwin.  Travelling up and down the Territory with her parents and siblings to follow the work.  From Wave Hill to Adelaide River to Leanyer to Humpty Doo.  Learning all the while.

Because of these women, I can!  Shannan Dodson a Yawuru (Broome area) woman who was born in Katherine in the NT talks about her Aunty Patricia Dodson-Jauncey.

Because of these women, I can! Ngarra Murray NAIDOC Committee member, comes from a long line of strong black Yorta Yorta (Wallithica) women.

This years theme celebrates the essential role that women have played - and continue to play - as active and significant role models at the community, local, state and national levels.