SuniTAFE celebrated 50 years of NAIDOC Week by hosting two community events complete with traditional music, dance, art, and food.  

The events were open to students, staff, and community members, and were attended by local partners including Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Kiilalaana Foundation.  

SuniTAFE’s NAIDOC events are organised every year by staff and students at the Dulka Yuppata and Telkaya First Nations Cultural Support Centres located at the Institute’s two main campuses.  

This is the first year that Dulka Yuppata Support Officer Jakob Rayner has been involved in organising the Mildura event as a staff member, after contributing to the event in past years as a student enrolled at SuniTAFE.  

“This is my first event being on the other side of it, and it’s a very different look from being a student,” he said.  

“It feels great to be passing this on to students that are here today.  

“I was a student two years ago and just having this experience of doing what they’re doing now it’s great to be able to pass that on so that they keep doing it, and that these events are not just a trend that’s going to fade out.” 

Reflecting on the Mildura event, Jakob and the rest of his team were happy with how the events went, noting that even the weather was on their side.  

“Today’s event was a very big success,” he said.  

“Usually we have rain or dust or cold, but today just turned out perfectly, and the community just showed up it was such a great event. 

“It feels great that 50 years later it’s still a tradition to celebrate NAIDOC and everyone is still pitching in.  

“It’s really great that we’re able to still have that opportunity to celebrate with everyone and just bring us closer to closing the gap.” 

Hosting NAIDOC events for all staff to attend forms part of SuniTAFE’s recently launched Reconciliation Action Plan, presenting an opportunity for all staff and students to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.  

You can access SuniTAFE Reconciliation Action Plan here.  

Wondering what cultural support is on offer for students completing a qualification at SuniTAFE? Our Dulka Yuppata and Telkaya First Nations Cultural Support Centres help to ensure our facilities are safe spaces for all First Nations learners where cultural richness and diversity are celebrated.  

Click here to learn more about Dulka Yuppata and Telkaya First Nations Cultural Support Centres.