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1. Top 20 tips to get involved this NAIDOC Week
   See our top 20 ideas to help you celebrate NAIDOC Week 2021 in a COVIDSafe way.
2. Stay COVIDSafe this NAIDOC Week
   It is important we continue to be COVIDSafe as we celebrate NAIDOC week so we can protect the most vulnerable in our community.

3. Dr Lynette Riley, NAIDOC Committee

   Lynette Riley’s homage to her mother, Delma Riley and grandmothers, Maude Wright and Alma Riley.

4. Patricia Conlon, NAIDOC Committee

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

   Naomi Moran is a Nyangbal and Arakwal woman from the Bundjalung nation in northern NSW, and has direct bloodlines to the Dunghutti nation on the mid-north coast of NSW.

6. Delama NAIDOC Exhibition

   Narana is hosting an art exhibition to celebrate NAIDOC week and to support our local Victorian artists.

7. NBAC's NAIDOC Charity Ball

   Narang Bir-rong invites you to our Charity Ball, to celebrate NAIDOC 2022! The proceeds of this event will go towards funding our Leaving Care program, which assists our young people to transition into adulthood and develop their independent living skills. Join us for: A delicious three-course di
8. Listen

   Narelle Henry

   National NAIDOC Innovation Award Category

   

    

   Ms Narelle Henry, a proud Noongar woman born on Wadjuk Country, Boorloo, is committed to contributing to positive change through her work at Ember Connect. From a young basketball hopeful signing her first contract with the Perth Breakers WNBL team, to a coach, educator, and now GM of Ember Connect, her journey has been influenced by human connection – each poignant moment in her career is marked by a significant interaction that propelled her forward. One of the key contributors to Narelle’s success has always been the emergence of a caring social capital network that sought to elevate her basketball career, whether through guidance or the unlocking of a door. Narelle is recognised for her role in leading Ember Connect, an innovative collective of First Nations women who mentor, elevate and connect each other.

   As a mother of two daughters, Narelle's aspirations extend beyond the confines of the basketball court. She dreams of a world where her girls and all young Indigenous women see themselves reflected in every space and place, free from the burdens of discrimination and self-doubt. It is this vision that drives her work at Ember Connect, where she endeavours to create a nurturing community where Indigenous voices are valued and uplifted. Like many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across the country, she is driven by a deep desire for her daughters and nieces to inherit a world where opportunities are equal and limitless – where they are grounded in confidence and free to be themselves.

   Narelle's journey is punctuated by moments of revelation and growth, none more eye-opening than her time as a student-athlete in North Carolina. Surrounded by a diverse group of people, she felt at home on campus and experienced a sense of excitement and freedom to be just like everyone else. Thinking back, the 50 letters she had sent out (including one to the Queen) paid off, and she was able to start classes without any limitations. ATSIC at the time was the final piece of support that enabled this life-changing experience – Narelle could not be more grateful. So, the GameChanger Grant came into fruition at Ember Connect. Her time in North Carolina also shed light on the glaring disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and why they existed on lands we call our own. This realization fuelled her purpose to contribute to impactful change.

   Ember Connect is an innovative network designed to connect and elevate First Nations women. Led by Narelle Henry, and in collaboration with incredible women like Michelle Woosnam, the charity has grown through the collective wisdom and experience of the Ember Connect family and its dedicated network of women. Each member approaches their respective roles with love and generosity, fuelled by a profound sense of responsibility and a sincere desire to inspire and uplift women.

   Ember Connect boasts an influential network almost 3,500 strong since launching in July 2022. In additional to facilitating a growing formal mentorship program, a remarkable 76% of Ember Connect women purposefully choose (up to) ten ways in which they are willing to connect and elevate others. This generosity of spirit reflects the goodwill of members on the platform and is a daily demonstration of reciprocity and connection that deeply resonates with Ember Connect’s vision. 

   Ember Connect reflects the kindness and humility of the family behind it. "Every story, every lesson, and piece of matriarchal wisdom we encounter is interwoven neatly into our space. Like us, it continues to grow and evolve, ready to be drawn upon when someone needs it the most – both personally and professionally."

   Ember Connect believe unequivocally that women, like embers, grow stronger together - carrying the fire of their ancestors within, the collective seeks to ignite a new generation of growth that illuminates a path for First Nations women to lead a life of choice.
   Ember Connect embraces the essential elements of First Nations women’s lives - culture, family, belonging, healing, personal and professional development – and connects women to networks to courageously seek out their truest aspirations. 

   In collaboration with partners such as Oxfam's Straight Talk, Ember Connect extends its reach, offering a platform for alumni to sustain connections and fortify their personal and professional networks. Their pioneering efforts have forged a path for First Nations women to embark on transformative journeys of development. For those already on the trajectory of growth, Ember Connect fosters skill enhancement and community engagement, enriching experiences through storytelling and knowledge sharing.

   Their work so far has broken new ground in offering a space for First Nations women to begin their professional and personal development journeys and for those further down the path, to build upon their skills and experience by drawing from the community they can discover through the platform. 

   Narelle emphasizes, “the wisdom and innovation of Ember Connect are not the products of one person; rather, it is a beautiful demonstration of the infinite potential women hold when they come together.”

9. Listen

   Nat Heath

   National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award Category

   

   Nat Heath is a proud Noongar man, Uncle & the founder/CEO of TRIMOB, a Mob powered organisation who centres community & culture and is igniting the fire in Mob to improve their health & wellbeing through swim, bike & run. Nat is a 8 x IRONMAN finisher, including Australian Age Group Champion & last year competed at the Hawaiian IRONMAN World Championships.

   Nat's passion for triathlon was ignited in 2010 when he was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome & told by his doctor that he would not have the same speed, strength and endurance. To prove the doctor wrong, Nat signed up for his first triathlon 9 months later and has not looked back since.

10. Listen

    Natasha Leslie

    National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award Category

    

     

    Ms Natasha Leslie is a proud Gummipingal woman of the Worimi people from Port Stephens Karuah NSW. She is currently living on Ngarluma country in the Pilbara WA. She is a mum of four daughters, an educator, an athlete, an artist, and lives with underlying health conditions that cause chronic pain. 

    Natasha Leslie has been recognised for her hard work, dedication, and commitment to being a role model for positive change, demonstrating that anything is possible. 

    Natasha was selected to participate in the Indigenous Marathon Project in 2017, a program which strives to showcase the strength of Australia’s First Nations cultures and peoples on the world stage. Each year, just 12 Indigenous Australians, out of over 150 applications, are chosen to form the years IMP Squad, most of them having limited or no previous running experience. They go on to train for 6 months, mainly in their home communities alone, with the guidance of the IMP head coach and founder Rob DeCastella, before taking on the world’s largest marathon, the New York Marathon. They participate in an education component and coaching course to be able to come back to their communities to drive change. 

    Since her IMP year, Natasha has continued to encourage and role model active healthy lifestyles by continuing her running journey and has now competed in five of the six World Major Marathons. Having run in the New York (2017), Berlin (2018), Chicago (2019), London (2023) and Tokyo (2024) Marathons, she is hoping to complete her Six Star World Majors journey when she tackles the Boston Marathon in 2025. Natasha had the honour of carrying the Queen’s baton in the 2018 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay. Natasha volunteers her time facilitating and coaching IMF (Indigenous Marathon Foundation) Running and Walking groups, offering sessions for both children and adults within the Karratha area. 

    As well as representing First Nations Australians globally, Natasha makes an impact on her local community in her work at Tambrey Primary School as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officer. Natasha is dedicated to her work and goes the extra mile to support her students as best suits their individual needs. Natasha works closely with Indigenous students in her community, facilitating an extra curriculum program designed to improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of her students. Natasha’s mentorship and guidance fosters a whole wellbeing, and it has been stated to have a profound impact on the children she works with. 

    Natasha Leslie is a devoted athlete and an asset to her community.