Programmed proudly held a morning tea last week to commemorate NAIDOC week, an event enriched by meaningful discussions. This year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.” highlights the resilience, pride, and strength of First Nations communities.
We were privileged to have Lynette Graham, our National Social Inclusion Manager, lead a discussion on the historical importance of NAIDOC Week.
Lynette, a Dunghutti woman from Kempsey, NSW, conducts monthly First Nations Cultural Awareness training at Programmed. These sessions offer essential insights into First Nations history, culture, and traditions, providing a transformative learning experience. You can register for one of these engaging sessions by clicking below!
Our CEO Graeme Hurn reflected on Programmed’s ongoing engagement with First Nations communities, highlighting our partnerships and community initiatives that respect and celebrate First Nation’s heritage and contributions.
Gary Gietzmann, our Head of Procurement, enthusiastically detailed our recent engagements and achievements with First Nations communities and introduced the nominees and winners of our 2024 Programmed NAIDOC Awards, which you can read about below!
The event concluded with a delightful morning tea, offering everyone a chance to socialise and explore diverse ways to participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week.
Celebrating our 2024 Programmed NAIDOC Award Winners
NAIDOC Person of the Year - Joel Hickcox
Joel was nominated by several of his peers, for his empathy, compassion and leadership skills. Joel’s nomination was also highlighted for the work he does in the background for First Nations people and being a part of the leadership and business group to identify and create opportunities for First Nations people through various pathways.
Lynette Graham noted that sometimes, it's the people in the background that make a difference and greater impact - well deserved Joel!
NAIDOC Team of the Year - Programmed Facility Management Western Australia Team
The Programmed Facility Management WA team were nominated for their recent involvement in the Old Peoples birthday - 1 July 2024, held in Roebourne Western Australia, also known by the local Aboriginal Community as Leramugadu.
On 1 July, Elders from nearby communities came together in an annual event to celebrate the Elders birthday. Over 30 years ago, 1 July was given as an official birth date to many Old People in the local area, as most had no official birth records. The day became known as Old Peoples Birthday and is an important cultural event for the town.
Our team members ordered goods, went shopping, and delivered food out to Roebourne on the weekend. On the day, our team assisted with setting up and looking after more than forty Elders with refreshments, cake and a delicious freshly cooked lunch which included kangaroo tails and dampers traditionally cooked.
The event involved over 30 local community organisations and resource groups including Aboriginal businesses, Woodside, Rio Tinto, not-for-profit organisations, local school students, Aboriginal health services, church groups, and youth and children's groups.
The Old People were given gift bags and also bags of fruit to take home to families and loved the birthday event. Team members involved in making this happen were Linda Hitchmough, Cheryl Prentice, Nadia John, Tyrell Astbury, Shane Barham, Lorrae Tostevin, Gavin Black, Rabecca Kenny, Amanda Pickering, Shane Basedow, Steve Pickering and Roslyn Harley.
Congratulations to the Programmed Facility Management WA team!
NAIDOC Partner of the Year - Muru Office Supplies
Programmed has had an ongoing relationship with Muru since 2016. Muru contributes to Community projects in relation to early childhood education, tailored employment for First nations women, purchasing play equipment) and services extending to office furniture / fit-outs in conjunction with Group Property and Building Projects.
Muru Office Supplies is a purpose-driven, community-focused organisation that contributes 20 per cent of all profits from all sales to education, employment, health, and well-being initiatives supporting First Nations communities.
As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to nurturing these vital relationships and contributing to the empowerment of First Nations peoples.
Through ongoing education, community partnerships, and meaningful engagements like this morning tea, we strive not only to celebrate but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of First Nations communities.
