Posts of: rscreativesolutions

The National NAIDOC Committee is proud to announce that the 2023 National NAIDOC Week Theme is “For Our Elders”. 

Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. 

They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones. Our loved ones who pick us up in our low moments and celebrate us in our high ones. Who cook us a feed to comfort us and pull us into line, when we need them too.

They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world. 

We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow. 

The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today. The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength has carried the survival of our people. 

It is their influence and through their learnings that we must ensure that when it comes to future decision making for our people, there is nothing about us – without us. 

We pay our respects to the Elders we’ve lost and to those who continue fighting for us across all our Nations and we pay homage to them.

In 2023, how will you celebrate For Our Elders? 

Visit NAIDOC Week website to find out more: 

https://www.naidoc.org.au/awards/current-theme

The Campbelltown Local Business Awards bring recognition to the excellent businesses in the area and give everyone in the local community the chance to have a say in what local business is the best in their industry. 

The Awards are well recognised, respected and businesses look forward to the annual program and Gala Presentation Evening. The recognition in becoming a finalist or a winner adds credibility as a successful local business. The Awards logo has become a symbol of an outstanding business. Finalists are selected based on the number of nominations they receive from the public, the more nominations received, the better chance of being selected as a Finalist.

RS Creative Solutions was a finalist in three categories at the 2022 Campbelltown Local Business Awards for Outstanding Sole Operator, Business Person of the Year and business of the Year. The award presentation was held on the 5^th October at Wests and was a dazzling event featuring entertainment with the highlight being the announcement of the category winners. RS Creative Solutions named the Outstanding Sole Operator for 2022. 

A very big thank you to all the community who voted for my business at these awards I truly appreciate all of the support and congratulations to all of the local businesses both finalist and winners, an amazing night.

It was a pleasure to attend Grow with Google for Indigenous Australian Businesses today at Google Sydney today with other Indigenous Businesses owners that attended the event.

Grow with Google collaborated with Trading Blak and Supply Nation to host a free digital skills training for Indigenous businesses at Google Sydney. Whether you run your own business or are looking to grow your career, Grow with Google provides access to free digital training and tools to help guide you towards new opportunities. 

The event kicked off with a warm official welcome by Matthew Doyle followed by various guest speakers with a special video message from The Hon Linda Burney MP Minister for Indigenous Australians, Jodie Taylor the newly appointed CEO of Supply Nation, Google small business experts and local business owner about how they’ve used Google tools to grow their business. 

After the session we were able to network with other Indigenous Business owners and speak directly with Google small business experts. What a great event for any Indigenous Business that is looking to make better-informed business decisions. 

Rhonda Sampson’s art can be found throughout the Macarthur region. She created the stunning design at Campbelltown Stadium. and has done work with Western Sydney Airport. But it’s her latest piece that she believes is her greatest yet.

The Campbelltown artist has created a vibrant, colourful artwork which is featured throughout Macarthur Square, and it titled the same.

“Mv phone blew up after we launched,” Ms Sampson said. “I find that Macarthur Square is my legacy piece It’s something that’s embedded throughout the centre and is going to stay there permanently. The feedback I’ve received has come left, right and centre and it’s been pretty amazing.”

Ms Sampson’s work will be showcase as a giant, (11-metre by 2.5-meter) mural in the purple car park; on the undercarriage of the new escalators; on two large rugs, including near David Jones; on digital billboards; on staff uniforms and at the centre management entry. 

Centre manager Trevor Hill said the Macarthur Square team was dedicated to learning more about Indigenous culture. “The centre management team has embraced this very special opportunity to learn and incorporate the knowledge, talent and wisdom of First Nations people into our shopping centre,” he said. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Rhonda to bring this artwork to life across the centre to show our deep respect and for customers and boarder community to enjoy.”

Ms Sampson said the artwork told the visual story of Macarthur Square. “We wanted it to be noticeable and vibrant, so you can’t miss it,” she said. “I came up with the colours as a celebration of Macarthur Square. It’s a been in Campbelltown for as long as I can remember and it’s one of the go-to places in town. It’s like a meeting place for families of ever generation. My Aunty used to take me to Macarthur Square as a young child and I take my young cousins and they’ll take their children.”

Ms Sampson said the piece incorporated the old water slide which used to neighbour the centre and the growth of Macarthur Square from a separate building to one large site. “There’s been so many changes, and through the artwork we celebrate that history and its meaning to the community,” she said.

Having her work across the region is a source of great pride for Ms Sampson. “It’s done with purpose,” she said. “I find that there’s not enough of the aboriginal culture around, visible, and my purpose in developing larger pieces is to influence the next generation of creatives, whether they’re Aboriginal or not.”

Original Article

As TOMRA Cleanaway’s reconciliation journey continues, we are proud to present our Reconciliation artwork, titled “Caring for Country Together” during NAIDOC Week 2022.

‘Caring for Country Together’  was developed by Rhonda Sampson, a contemporary Aboriginal artist and proud Kamilaroi woman in collaboration with TOMRA Cleanaway and the KARI Foundation. The artwork storyline is a tribute to the way TOMRA Cleanaway engages with the community, Country, and our partners.

TOMRA Cleanaway believes it is our responsibility to leave our environment better for our kids and the future generations to come by “Caring for Country Together”.

The artwork is a visual representation of TOMRA Cleanaway working in partnership with communities across NSW as the proud network operator for NSW’s container deposit scheme, Return and Earn.

TOMRA Cleanaway is committed to building strong relationships and respect between the business and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through meaningful engagement and being an active participant in connecting with First Nations communities that are uplifted through their involvement with our network and services.

TOMRA Cleanaway’s Partnerships

The motif at the centre of the artwork represents TOMRA Cleanaway and the successful joint venture partnerships over the past 5 years of operations.

Pillars of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Surrounding TOMRA Cleanaway are the 4 core pillars of our Reconciliation Action Plan from the left to right are the following motifs: Respect, Relationships, Opportunities and Governance.

Each of the reconciliation pillars are connected by the mutual goal for a sustainable future for everyone represented by the connecting arrows demonstrating the action of moving forward.

Moving along the outside of the centre are our waterways from across the land. Branching off the centre are dotted lines that are the connection to communities across NSW from regional to the coast, represented by the U-shaped motifs.

Providing Community Access – Collection points

Collection points in rural NSW are represented by the smaller circular motifs on the left and the metropolitan collections points by the larger circular motifs in the middle.

The dot work in the background symbolises the land complemented by the highlighted light blue dots which represent over 600 return TOMRA Cleanaway points across the state. The number of return points is increasing providing easy access for all communities to get involved in the Return and Earn container deposit scheme.

One of the primary depot locations is based on Darug Country in Eastern Creek it is one of the most familiar depots with the community and is represented by the central top motif. It is the primary location for the central processing of all lightweight containers from across NSW. The artwork on the right represents the Eastern Creek depot.

Reducing litter in our waterways land and ocean we are protecting our wildlife (represented by the turtle). It is our responsibility to leave our environment better for our kids and future generations to come (represented through the artwork by the small, dotted circles).

TOMRA Cleanaway is committed to enabling all members of the community to participate by making use of our easy-access container deposit networks at the same time, creating opportunities to support local causes and fund community events. Our RAP artwork is a demonstration of our focus on working together to make a circular economy possible by “Caring for Country Together”.

Read more about the goals and objectives of our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group Members and their motivations to be involved in delivering TOMRA Cleanaway’s RAP.

TOMRA Cleanaway is incredibly proud of the outstanding partnership that we have facilitated within our network for Return and Earn between the KARI Foundation and City Return and Earn. Read more about this great partnership. Please see this article for more information on this great outcome.

Walkinshaw Andretti United has today revealed the three Indigenous Round liveries the Team will run at the Darwin Triple Crown from June 17-19, designed by KARI Foundation.

All three Walkinshaw Andretti United entries, driven by Chaz Mostert, Nick Percat and Jayden Ojeda, will run unique liveries for Indigenous Round, with Car 2 and 25 designed by Brian ‘Deadly’ DeVries, and Car 27 designed by Rhonda Sampson.

Brian ‘Deadly’ DeVries is a proud Wiradjuri Gunya man with ties to the Yuin Nation. Brian is very passionate about sharing Aboriginal culture through traditional art, dance, and music. Brian uses painting as a platform for storytelling, as it provides a connection between people, places and environment.

Rhonda Sampson is a proud Kamilaroi woman who lives on Dharawal country in South Western Sydney. Art is central to Rhonda’s cultural identity, and she is passionate about sharing this with all people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous so they can come together on the journey of understanding Aboriginal culture, stories and identity.

The connection between Walkinshaw Andretti United and the KARI Foundation came through valued partner Optus, who in 2018, launched a partnership with KARI Foundation. This connection has been embraced by Co-Naming Right’s partners, NTI and Mobil 1. KARI’s mission is to build strength in families and services and their vision is to help Aboriginal families, youth and community’s flourish.

KARI was established in 1999 through the creation of KARI Limited, which has long supported the Aboriginal community by designing and delivering quality programming and services. Today, KARI Limited continues to be a leader in the space of Aboriginal child protection.

In 2016, after 17 years of successful operations, the KARI Board of Directors agreed to the creation of the KARI Foundation. They understood the outcomes of Aboriginal could be further achieved by increased collaboration between state and federal Governments, Corporate Australia and Collective Australia.

The design seen on the Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25 and Mobil 1 NTI Racing No. 2, which was originally created to honour of the collaboration between Optus and KARI Foundation, is titled ‘Community Togetherness.’

It captures the journeys of travel coming together, the meeting places, the ripples of communication and the knowledge that is shared and is always plentiful.

The East Coast Lubes No. 27’s artwork, “Community, Culture and Connection,” is a visual representation of the KARI Foundation and all their partners commitment to showcase Aboriginal excellence through the shared vision, mission, and values of the KARI Foundation.

The motif at the centre of the artwork represents the KARI Foundation and the many partners they collaborate with. Surrounding the motif are the seven pillars of connection: leadership, education, family and community, employment and business enterprise, sports and healthy lifestyle, creative and performing arts and procurement. The seven pillars provide points of connection and entry for Aboriginal people and culture to enrich community life.

All three cars will proudly display their Indigenous Designs at the Darwin Triple Crown this weekend, with on-track running starting Friday, July 17 with practice before three races over the course of the weekend.

Bruce Stewart – Walkinshaw Andretti United Team Principal

“It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate the contribution of our indigenous community across all three of our cars this weekend for Indigenous Round.

“The KARI Foundation has been phenomenal to work with, and it’s been fantastic to build on the relationship Optus started with them in 2019. We appreciate the connection.

“This is something that has been supported by not only everyone in our team, but our entire partner group, which is really cool to see.

“The grid will look fantastic, we have a number of initiatives we can’t wait to bring to life over the course of the weekend, in what is a really important weekend for everyone involved.”

Cain Slater – KARI Foundation COO

“KARI Foundation is excited to work with two of our partners Optus and Walkinshaw Andretti United to deliver these amazing designs and also continue the conversion about reconciliation.

Sport plays an important role in celebrating First Nations people and Culture and we are proud to work with both Optus and Walkinshaw Andretti United for this important round.”

Melissa Hopkins – Optus VP of Marketing

“We are really excited about bringing together two of our valued partners in Walkinshaw Andretti United and KARI Foundation to celebrate Indigenous Round in true Optus style,”

“Celebrating the valued contribution of our indigenous community is extremely important to us at Optus, and we hope to inspire the groups we are hosting at the track from the Clontarf Foundation.

“We especially love how the Walkinshaw Andretti United team have embraced Indigenous Round and we can’t wait to see the first-ever grid filled with indigenous-themed liveries when we race at Hidden Valley.”

Jason Kibsgaard – Head of Marketing – NTI

“NTI are proud to be in a partnership that uses its platform to acknowledge and celebrate our First Nations people.

“As an Australian brand with strong ties to regional and rural Australia, NTI acknowledge and respect Australia’s First Nations and the contributions to our shared heritage.

“We look forward to seeing the collective work of art that is the grid, and showcasing the amazing talent that is the artists.”

The NSWRL has announced an extension of its partnership with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s (IUIH) Deadly Choices program for another year, which plans to perform more than 5000 free health checks on Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders in 2022.

The extension was announced today at Ignite HQ Centre of Excellence by NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden and IUIH Deadly Choices ambassador Steve Renouf.

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, True Blues Luke Lewis, Willie Mason and Jamie Soward, Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues Corban Baxter and Sarah Togatuki, NSWRL Officiating Development Officer Gavin Badger and NSWRL ambassador Reni Maitua were also in attendance.

“Our partnership with Deadly Choices has the ability, through the Deadly Blues program, to deliver tangible benefits by aiming to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples to make healthy choices for themselves and their families,” Trodden said.

“There are no downsides if the NSWRL can use the power of our brand and the game of Rugby League as a tool to help promote a positive outcome for the Indigenous community in contributing to ‘close the gap’ in Indigenous Health outcomes in any way.

“The game would not be as strong without involvement from the Indigenous community and we are grateful for the support and commitment which we will be celebrating and acknowledging through the game-wide Indigenous Round next week.”

IUIH Chief Executive Adrian Carson said the Deadly Blues campaign was having a positive impact across Indigenous communities.

“Obviously, Rugby League is extremely popular among all our communities, and we celebrate the successes of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who in turn become great role models for what they do on the field, but even more importantly what they can do off it,” Carson said. 

“10 years of Deadly Choices and I think the evidence is in that you can partner with sport successfully, when sport partners with community, and that’s exactly what the Deadly Blues has shown across the first three years of this partnership.”

There is further incentive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to book in for free health checks with all participants to go in the running to win an all-expenses paid trip to watch the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues in Game One of the Ampol State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on 8 June.

The NSW Health Services participating in the program include Bulgarr Ngaru, Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service, Maari Ma and Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service, Galambila Aboriginal Health Service and Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre.

“The Indigenous community has always played an important role in Rugby League and I back any program that encourages a healthy lifestyle,” Fittler said.

“The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues follow principles around good health, including diet, sleeping, staying hydrated and breathing, which has helped our players achieve their best and played a large part in our recent success.”

The Deadly Blues health campaign was launched in conjunction with Deadly Choices in 2019 with the aim of encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to receive regular medical check-ups and improve their health. Since the program launch there has been more than 15,000 free health checks performed on Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders.

The campaign, which also involves NRL clubs and other elite sports, is being run by the IUIH and has been backed by the Federal Government.

The initiative sees Indigenous people receive a free NSWRL-inspired shirt when they attend any of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services for a full health assessment and to receive preventative health messages.

The Deadly Blues program aims to target chronic disease, nutrition, physical activity and smoking which can have a negative impact on Indigenous communities. The NSWRL expanded the campaign in 2020 to include a healthy cooking and eating program which was endorsed by current Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues players and True Blues.

Original Article:

27 May to 3 June

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year.

We saw unprecedented response to our suggested actions for everyday and for braver action.

This year we are asking everyone to make change beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week-27 May to 3 June is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week Here:

A significant milestone today at Western Sydney International Airport who officially launched their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the Experience Centre. The event commenced with a smoking ceremony by Uncle Harry followed by a Welcome to Country by Dharug Custodian Rhiannon Watson.

Master of Ceremony Charles Prouse led the event by introducing all guest speakers including Simon Kickey (Western Sydney International Airport CEO), Karen Mundine (Reconciliation Australia CEO) and Guest Panellist: Dave Roberts (AH&MRC RTO), Tammy Anderson (Briar Road Public School), Edwina Crawford (NSW Department of Communities and Justice) and Michael O’Loughlin (Enable Consulting Services).

Guest had the pleasure to view performances by Garabara Dance Group who performed several traditional dances, a powerhouse performance of the National Anthem in both English and language by local performer Hamani Tanginoa, who a truly amazing performance.

Another core focus of the event was the official unveiling of the Western Sydney International Airport Reconciliation Artwork “Our Journey, Our Future” created by proud Kamilaroi woman Rhonda Sampson, tells the story of Sydney’s new airport and their journey of reconciliation. The event wrapped up with Western Sydney International Airport Aboriginal Engagement Manager Peter Jensen also performed Yidiki Songline and explained the story behind the Yidiki. Congratulations to Western Sydney International Airport and the community, who have walked on this journey together and the successful event today to launch their first Reconciliation Action Plan. 

As an essential services provider operating in high-growth regions of New South Wales, Endeavour’s network overlaps the Dharug, Wiradjuri, Dharawal, Gundungurra and Yuin nations. Endeavour Energy acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which they work, and pay respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. We believe we can deliver impactful and sustainable actions towards reconciliation now and into the future.

Today Endeavour Energy proudly launched their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We marked this important milestone in our reconciliation journey with a welcome from Dharug Elder, Uncle Lex Dadd, and smoking ceremony and cultural performance by Wuruniri Music and Dance.

Endeavour’s RAP Lead Mark Barton and CEO Guy Chalkley spoke about the importance of reconciliation and how our RAP will propel and guide us into the future. It reflects Endeavour’s goal of building respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and traditions, and will help strengthen relationships and create meaningful opportunities for First Nations peoples. Importantly, it includes practical actions to drive our contribution to reconciliation. 

As an essential services provider operating in high-growth regions of New South Wales, Endeavour’s network overlaps the Dharug, Wiradjuri, Dharawal, Gundungurra and Yuin nations. Endeavour Energy acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which they work, and pay respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. We believe we can deliver impactful and sustainable actions towards reconciliation now and into the future.