Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed) hosted their annual community NAIDOC Celebrations on Tuesday 9th July, with an appearance from RivMed’s deadly superhero Supercuz, and a surprise visit from Rugby League star, Xavier Savage
Welcoming a record number of people from the Wagga Wagga region, the community participated in a smoking ceremony, enjoyed traditional dances, engaged with local service providers, and shared a delicious spread of curries and bushtucker.
Peta Larsen, RivMed’s Chief Executive Officer said the event was a valuable opportunity for health providers and services to celebrate the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations cultures.
“This event offered more than just entertainment,” Ms Larsen said.
“Over 35 stalls provided opportunities for community to engage with service providers from employment to health and aged care,
“RivMed is proud to play a leading role in connecting community to services to strengthen the wellbeing of First Nations peoples, and access to cultural practices and traditions,
“As an organisation, NAIDOC Week is a time for RivMed to reflect, celebrate, and recommit ourselves to providing culturally safe holistic health and well-being services,” she said.
Member for Riverina, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP joined in the celebrations, and said it was a great chance to catch up with many eminent Indigenous locals.
“It was a pleasure to join the celebrations of the strength, resilience and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the RivMed NAIDOC Week celebrations,” Mr McCormack said.
“These services make such a difference in our community,” he said.
RivMed also facilitated satellite NAIDOC events, including a vibrant school holiday program and cultural activities at the Wagga Wagga Marketplace.
The organisation’s impact in the community continued to be celebrated, with Deputy Chairperson Maxine Honeysett recognised at the 2024 Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Ball and Awards, where she received the People’s Choice Award.
The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud” celebrated the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities and called for solidarity in amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
RivMed were proud to facilitate and lead NAIDOC celebrations in Wagga Wagga.
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Media Contact: Ms Peta Larsen, Chief Executive Officer, Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (02) 6923 5300
