NAIDOC Week celebrations continue across the Shoalhaven, in small, COVID-safe gatherings.
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On Thursday, November 12, Noel Wellington delivered his first welcome to country at the inaugural Southern Cross Housing NAIDOC morning tea.
About a dozen people attended the event, organised by Aboriginal Community Development Officer Anthony Longbottom.
"I'm a traditional custodian of the Jerrinja and Wandi Wandi people," he said.
"NAIDOC Week is about coming together, and the Shoalhaven has always been a place for people up and down the coast to gather for ceremonies and trade.
"My grandmother was born at La Perouse and my grandfather was born at Wallaga Lake, but they were married here in Nowra.
"We still practice that coming together today."
Mr Longbottom said the NAIDOC marked the beginning of his journey with Southern Cross Housing.
"NAIDOC is about friendship," he said, "and from little things, big things grow."
Southern Cross Housing is in the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, with the aim of increasing employees' awareness of Indigenous culture, creating a culturally safe environment and ensuring their work supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
