Earlier this month, Aruma’s Summerland Farm was filled with stories and a sense of togetherness as we gathered to celebrate the world’s oldest continuing culture.
Our Aruma community, including participants, supported employees, and staff came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The day began with a Welcome to Country from Gilbert Laurie, a proud Yaegl and Widjibal man of the Bundjalung nation. Gilbert led a smoking ceremony and shared stories of the local history, lands, waterways, and traditional medicines. He also taught everyone a few words in the Bundjalung language, including Jingi walla, meaning welcome.
Aruma participant Jacinta proudly shared their First Nations culture by leading a dot painting activity. This hands-on experience gave everyone a chance to connect with cultural storytelling and knowledge sharing.
Of course, no Summerland Farm event is complete without something delicious! Our talented kitchen team baked fresh damper, seasoned with bush tucker grown on the farm, like wattle seed and lemon myrtle, served alongside jams made from native Davidson’s plums and finger limes.
Another of the day’s highlights was an ATV tour led by our Horticulture team, which guided visitors through the farm’s stunning grounds, winding among avocado and macadamia trees, and alongside the river and waterfall.
A huge thank you to Uncle Gilbert Laurie, Jacinta, and our amazing Aruma customers and staff who made our NAIDOC Week event an unforgettable celebration of culture and togetherness.
Events like this remind us how much we can learn and connect when we come together to listen, share, and celebrate each other and our cultures.
Aruma is a leading NDIS service provider offering a wide range of disability supports, employment opportunities, and community activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Explore how we can support you by visiting our disability services webpage.
