NAIDOC Week 2022 – GET UP! STAND UP! SHOW UP!

Jul 7, 2022 | Blog, Uncategorized

 

Celebrating First Nations Australians this week and every week!

Happy NAIDOC Week, Brisbane/Meeanjin! We at Hands of Hope acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, and pay respects their Elders past and present. We extend our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC is an annual celebration that stands for the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It’s the perfect time to recognise and honour the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have the great privilege to learn about First Nation cultures and histories, participate in these celebrations, and support our communities.

Here are a few ways we can support our community:

  1. Attend a NAIDOC event – there are a number of events throughout Australia as listed on the website
  • The 2022 NAIDOC Virtual Event is free to join and will showcase a variety of films about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, culture and historic events:

https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events/2022-naidoc-week-metro-north-health-virtual-event

2. Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

  • Chocolate on Purpose is 100% Indigenous-owned and sells a variety of delicious choccies to give as incredibly thoughtful presents (or to consume yourself, of course):

https://chocolateonpurpose.com.au/

3. Educate yourself – Listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices by reading books by Indigenous Australian’s authors

  • Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia by Anita Heiss is a beautiful anthology that showcases diverse stories and experiences from Aboriginal poets, writers, students about their identity. It’s an exceptional read and I highly recommend listening to the Audiobook or grabbing a copy:

https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia

4. Donate! 

  • The Healing Foundation is an organisation that amplifies the voices of Stolen Generations survivors and their families

https://healingfoundation.org.au/donate/

There are so many ways to celebrate NAIDOC all week this week and every week!

by Beatriz Polotan

10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Neighbourhood

Feb 18, 2022 | Blog, Good Neighbours, Uncategorized

Ever wished that you lived in a better neighbourhood? You can make your wish come true! By being a better neighbour, your neighbourhood will benefit and get better – and so will you. Here are 10 practical ways to become a better neighbour:

1. When walking or driving in your street, always observe your surroundings. If you notice anything suspicious, alert your neighbours.

2. Always SMILE and wave at your neighbours, no matter how busy you are. It may well make their day and at least cheer them up!

3. When someone new moves into your street, walk over (it may be best to go with a family member or a neighbour) to introduce yourself and ask if you can help them. Share important information, like the bin pickup day for your street.

4. If you’re going to have a gathering or party that may get loud, let your neighbours know in advance. You can print the details down on paper and slip it into their letterbox, identifying who you are.

5. Respect your neighbours’ privacy. Offer your help but don’t ask personal questions. Be concerned but never be nosy.

6. Keep your front yard (if you have one) reasonably neat and tidy. This will encourage and remind your neighbours to do the same.

7. If you have plants in your front yard, make sure they are not poisonous to pets. You wouldn’t want your neighbour’s beloved dog, Max, to end up at the vet after a visit to your yard.

8. Make an effort to learn about your neighbour’s culture, if it’s different from yours.

9. Be tolerant towards your neighbours who may be a little noisier or messier than you would like.

10. Read up about Neighbour Day, which will be on Sunday, 27th March 2022. There are attractive digital resources on the Relationships Australia | Achieving positive and respectful relationships website that you can use to reach out to your neighbours

By Maureen Yeow