Staff from Bayside Community Addiction and Mental Health Service marked NAIDOC Week with a day dedicated to culture and connection.
The event brought together staff and local Elders to share stories, learn about Indigenous language, sample bush tucker, and try traditional weaving.
Quandamooka Elder Aunty Mary Burgess shared the history of the Jandai language and spoke about the importance of preserving it for future generations.
"I think it's very important. Our children missed out. I certainly missed out growing up, but just to know our language is important," Aunty Mary said.
Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinician Roselene Best said the day was about bringing cultural safety to life.
"It's around that knowing, being and doing," Roselene said.
"Today we've been sitting, listening to the Elders and understanding a bit more of the history.
“But we're also doing, having a bit of bush tucker and doing a bit of weaving,” she said.
"If we're participating in that, we're connecting to First Nations people's culture in a very gentle and hopefully meaningful way.
“Then we know what a culturally safe place feels like.
“We're having those cultural experiences; we are connecting with people,” she said.
Acting Executive Director for Addiction and Mental Health Services Fiona Dziopa said it was a privilege to celebrate NAIDOC Week with staff and community.
"I am continually inspired by the team's commitment to partnering with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve health outcomes and experiences.
"Alongside celebrating the achievements, culture and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear firsthand about the history, culture and lived experiences of the Quandamooka Peoples.”
Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and stories so generously.