NAIDOC Week amazes for 2022
Thank you to everyone who took part in an amazing NAIDOC Week.
To celebrate, we held a range of events and activities, including:
- A discussion panel with our new Head of Aboriginal Housing Cheryl Axleby and our Board Member and Reconciliation South Australia CEO Shona Reid;
- A screening of the Indigenous youth dance-based health and fitness program ππ°π·π¦ πͺπ΅ ππ°π£ ππ΅πΊππ¦; and
- A 'lunch and learn' session where we showcased our Aboriginal Housing Strategy principles to staff in a casual lunchtime setting.
Our Housing SA team also had a stall at the Family Fun Day in Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square), and Cheryl spoke at the Human Services SA Metropolitan Aboriginal Youth and Family Service's 're-launch' event.
The Modbury and Salisbury Housing SA offices purchased Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week donuts to raise funds for the not-for-profit Tjindu Foundation. Morning teas were also held at the Croydon and Port Adelaide offices.
Program graduates building a career
A massive congratulations to the recent 'I Construct' graduates.
I Construct is a pre-apprenticeship program aimed at giving young Aboriginal and Torres Strait people an introduction to the construction industry.
Over four weeks, participants undertook training in bricklaying, painting, tiling, plastering and carpentry - and they were all fantastic.
They were also provided with pre-employment, employment and cultural awareness training, as well as specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentoring.
All graduates received their white card (construction induction card) and are able to be considered for full-time apprenticeships through our 250 Apprenticeships Program and other employers.
We supported the program, which was run by MEGT Australia, PEER and several other industry partners.
Vera's 105 reasons to celebrate
We want to wish a very happy birthday to Housing SA tenant Vera, who turned 105 late last month.
This amazing lady was born in Manchester, England and emigrated to Adelaide in 1968. She first become one of our tenants later that same year and worked all her life to support her family.
Vera transferred to her current home in 1987 and continues to be fiercely independent.
Shona appointed to Guardian position
We are thrilled that our Board Member and Aboriginal Advisory Committee Chair Shona Reid has recently been appointed as the new South Australian Guardian for Young People and Children.
She will also be taking on the roles of Child and Young Person Visitor, Training Centre Visitor and Youth Treatment Order Visitor.
Due to the new commitments, Shona has advised that she will be unable to continue in her Board and Advisory Committee roles.
While we will miss Shona’s experience and expertise, she will be playing a critical role in advocating for children and young people in care, and in empowering their voices.
Shona, a proud Eastern Arrernte woman, has served as a Board Member since November 2018 and as AAC Chair since May 2019 and over the years has provided exceptional experience, guidance and advice throughout this time.
Her work was particularly pivotal in the development of the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021 - 2031, South Australia’s first housing plan for Aboriginal peoples.
Thank you Shona for all of your efforts.
