NAIDOC Week

During Week 2 of this term (27-31 July), Mazenod College had the privilege of celebrating NAIDOC Week with a strong focus on community engagement. The week's celebrations recognised and honoured the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The College embraced the opportunity to reflect on this year's NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, and to consider how we can continue to walk together in the spirit of respect, understanding and reconciliation.

Throughout the week, the Mazenod community came together in a variety of meaningful ways. Students and staff gathered at the Yarning Circle to share stories over food and participated in a range of traditional cultural activities, including designing boomerangs and native animals, learning traditional rope-making techniques and cooking damper alongside the St Mary's First Nations girls. Staff also came together for a special NAIDOC morning tea in the boarding dining hall and proudly wore Indigenous ties and scarves throughout the week. The sounds of the didgeridoo signalling the school bell, together with daily notices acknowledging the significance of NAIDOC Week, served as a constant reminder of the importance of the occasion.

Sport also played an important role in bringing the community together. The Indigenous All Starz (Mazenod's First Nations students) faced off against staff in a spirited basketball match. The students made an impressive start, establishing an early lead before the more experienced staff rallied to narrowly claim victory by a few points. On Wednesday, the Marmun Yirra Boodja students competed against the First Nations students from Aranmore Catholic College in a closely contested lunchtime basketball game in the Oblate Hall. The match remained evenly balanced throughout, with Aranmore ultimately securing a four-point win. On Tuesday afternoon, Mazenod also hosted its annual NAIDOC football match, which commenced with a moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Elder Josh McGuire. The event showcased outstanding teamwork, mutual respect and friendly competition among all participants.

Throughout the week, the College was privileged to welcome a number of inspiring guests. Elder Josh McGuire's Welcome to Country and reflections on this year's NAIDOC theme encouraged the community to consider its role in fostering stronger relationships and advancing reconciliation. Mazenod College also extends its sincere appreciation to all guests, performers, presenters and community members who generously shared their time, talents and knowledge, making this year's NAIDOC Week a meaningful and memorable celebration for all.

Simon Hayward

Aboriginal Education Program Coordinator