2020 National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June)

2020 marks the 20th Anniversary of many years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. This year’s theme is ‘In This Together’ and reminds us that, whether in a crisis or in reconciliation, we are all “In This Together”.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Sutherland Shire Projects Benefit from Aboriginal Healthy Lifestyle Grants

Healthy living: Two projects received funding under the Aboriginal Healthy Lifestyle Grants initiative.

Aboriginal children in Sutherland Shire will benefit from two programs that have received funding under a new health service initiative.

Projects in Menai and Bundeena were awarded Aboriginal Healthy Lifestyle Grants at a December 10 ceremony at Georges River Sailing Club.

The grants are part of a new South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) initiative, which encourages collaboration with Aboriginal organisations and groups to utilise existing assets to improve the health and well-being of the community. 

The Narrangy Booris Aboriginal Early Childhood and Midwifery Health Service in Menai will use its grant to fund the Keeping Track of your Boori project, which will provide culturally appropriate information to families to educate them about the importance of early intervention and living healthy lifestyles. 

Bundeena Public School received a grant to fund a Garden to Plate project, which will see students grow fruit and vegetables in the school garden so they learn about nutrition while cooking lessons will teach them how to make healthy meals.

SESLHD Health Promotion Service Manager Myna Hua said grants of up to $5000 were awarded to projects that addressed healthy eating, physical activity and reducing screen time. 

“The Aboriginal population in south eastern Sydney is continuing to grow at a greater rate compared to the general population and we know this community experiences a higher prevalence of many long-term health conditions, as well as a higher rate of hospitalisation,” Ms Hua said. 

“Likewise, healthy lifestyle programs initiated and managed within communities are more likely to be effective. 

“The projects funded will enable family and carers to become actively involved in the future health of Aboriginal children and youth.”

Original Article

One Door Mental Health RAP Launch

A very proud and humbling moment thank you to One Door Mental Health who invited me to present the artwork for their Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan at their state-wide Staff Conference this morning. 

It was a pleasure to work alongside One Door staff and to design the artwork for their RAP which also featured on their NAIDOC shirts this year.

South Sydney Rabbitoh’s RAP Launch

What an honour to be attending the official launch of South Sydney Rabbitohs and Souths Cares first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) tonight. 

We designed the artwork for the RAP to visually communicate the importance of community to the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Souths Cares. It shows the strength of everyone working together to promote participation, sharing and learning to ensure an enriched future.

Souths Cares Launches Community Bus

Souths Cares are pleased to announce a new addition to the Souths Cares family, the Souths Cares 12 seater Community Bus.

Decked out with a slick design, the community Bus will help enhance the work done by Souths Cares.

The purchase of the vehicle was supported by MP for Newtown Jenny Leong through the Community Building Partnership Grants.

Ms Leong, who visited Redfern to see the finished product, was delighted to see the final outcome and hoped that the new vehicle acquired will be able to help Souths Cares further achieve their goals.

“The Community Building Partnerships Grants are designed to support the infrastructure needs and the core needs of amazing services and organisations in our community,” said Ms Leong.

While the bus will now allow South Cares to further increase their work within the community, Ms Leong believes that the bus will also spread a sense a pride, especially within the local Aboriginal community.

“One thing is that it gives a clear recognition to the important connection to Aboriginal culture in the area, from the visuals and the artwork on the bus,” Ms Leong explained.

While many other community organisations applied for funding under the Community Building Partnership Grants, Ms Leong acknowledged the unique role that Souths Cares plays in the local community was a key factor for choosing to fund their project.

Ms Leong was a big fan of the design on the bus, explaining ‘The design looks amazing and if I was to choose any two colours it would be Red and Green. We should be proud of this Bus and we should also be proud of the community outreach work which Souths Cares does”.

2018 NAIDOC Week Poster Winner

The 2018 NAIDOC Week artwork portrays the courage and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. From the ripples of fresh water and salt water, across the travel pathways and song lines of our traditional lands and skies.

Painted by Bigambul woman, Cheryl Moggs, from Goondiwindi, the painting portrays the 2018 theme, Because of her, we can! showing the courage and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Find out more about the 2018 NAIDOC theme, and check the community calendar to find an event near you at www.naidoc.org.au

2018 NAIDOC Week Poster Competition

Well this year it was hard to resist entering the NAIDOC Poster competition due to the significant theme “Because of her We Can”

Whilst we didn’t win the competition it was not about winning it was to pay tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women that have played a significant role in our history and that continue to inspire and empower each generation both past & present.

They are the pillars of our Families, Communities and Society. They have paved the way for future generations to continue their legacy, progress and move forward.

It is because of them We Can!

Find out more about the 2018 NAIDOC theme, and check the community calendar to find an event near you at www.naidoc.org.au

Youth off the Streets RAP Launch

Youth Off the Streets is a NSW-based non-denominational community organisation. We support young people who may be homeless, drug dependent or recovering from abuse as they work to turn their lives around. It is our goal that young people will leave our care drug free, with a high school education, living skills and a full or part time job in hand.

Youth Off the Streets commissioned RS Creative Solutions to develop the artwork for their Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for 2017 to 2019 which was launched on 15th November 2017.

The Artwork

The Community

The centre of the artwork represents the entire community from all walks of life, from the Youth to the elderly uniting together. As a community we all have a responsibility to support the growth of young people and support them in reaching their full potential.

YOTS Workers & Youth

Youth Off the Streets support young people and mentor them through their hardships and encourage them to turn their lives around in a positive way.

Streets & Pathways

The Pathways you see represent the Streets, which lead the Youth into Youth Off the Streets services for assistance.

Outreach Services

The symbol represents the Outreach services that YOTS provides and the Youth workers who assist young people with their issues.

The Innovate RAP was launched on 15th November 2017

Youth off the Streets Convoy of Courage

On 5th September Youth Off the Streets Convoy of Courage departed from Government House, beginning its journey to Bourke. Father Chris Riley started the day with a live cross with David Koch from Channel Sevens Sunrise where he discussed the uses of the new Mobile Youth Centre and the journey of their Convoy of Courage.

Youth Off the Streets engaged RS Creative Solutions to have the artwork designed for their Reconciliation Action to be used on the semi-trailer truck and we were very honoured to be able to showcase our work this way.

The Convoy of Courage is the launch a four-day convoy starting from Canberra travelling to: Cowra, Wellington, Dubbo and finally Bourke. The convoy provides the community in each town with the opportunity to show support for the young people in the area, many of whom face incredible challenges including poverty, neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and homelessness.