NAIDOC Our celebrations!

the profound benefit that the expansion of the service will have for the many families that engage with the Courts, particularly in remote and regional locations.

“The service provided by FASS is integral in facilitating the safe resolution of family law disputes involving families and children that are, or have been, impacted by family violence.

“The Courts particularly welcome the expansion of the targeted support provided by FASS to several of the Courts’ regional registries and circuit locations, where historically limited access to support services has presented a challenge for families in need,” he said.

The expansion of the FASS has been recommended by several inquiries as filling a critical gap in frontline service provision, most recently in the 2021 second interim report of the Joint Select Committee Inquiry into the Family Law System.

The service arose out of the Third Action Plan under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-22, the Federal Government committed $18.5 million over three years (2016-19). The service has expanded into locations across NSW.

by Donna Portland

Kiama Council has closed out its celebrations of NAIDOC week with Dharawal dancers at the Kiama Community Garden.

The Gumaraa Dance Group troupe featured a range of educational dances such as how to fish and to freeze when seeing a snake while collecting berries.

Sam was a storyteller and singer and played the didgeridoo with Tyrell, Tallara, Malalai and Alize as the dancers.

After the dance, children from Kiama Family Care OOSH (out of School Hours Care) and Blue Haven residents from the Seaside Group paired up to paint river rocks and to try local edible plants from the Garden.

Afterwards the residents and children were given a lesson in Wayapa Work by Jaz Corr which is a form of moving narrative mediation based on Indigenous practices.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips also participated in NAIDOC events across the Kiama LGA and Shoalhaven, saying: “We have such a rich and vibrant Indigenous heritage here on the South Coast, and I absolutely love celebrating NAIDOC week.

“NAIDOC Week is an important time to recognise the strength, resilience, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our communities.”

The Local Government NAIDOC regional awards will be held on Saturday 29 July at the Kiama Pavilion.

NAIDOC Week started early July. The theme was ‘For our Elders’ so shared experiences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous elders by Kiama Council was very in theme.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee and has been celebrated since 1975. The committee has been calling for a new national public holiday as part of NAIDOC week which is yet to be realised. Here are some useful local phrases in Dharawal: Ngambi or warami for hello Ngadawingji for see you later Didjarigura for thank you or enough.