BGF celebrates NAIDOC Week. Keep the fire burning!

This NAIDOC Week, the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) proudly stands alongside all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year’s theme, ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ is a powerful reminder of the importance of Australia’s Indigenous history, culture and connection to the land.

‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ is an invitation from Aboriginal Australia to amplify the voices of Indigenous Australians and for non-Indigenous Australians to listen, learn and participate in meaningful conversation so that First Nations peoples are fully valued and respected.

In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, BGF acknowledges the significant impact of HIV on Indigenous communities. Indigenous Australians experience higher rates of HIV compared to the non-Indigenous population, underscoring the urgent need for culturally appropriate health services and support.

Our Community Ambassador and proud Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta Person, Will Cooper shared his thoughts on NAIDOC Week.

"This year's NAIDOC theme is a call to action for mob and non-Indigenous alike. There is work to do. We have to stoke those fires in our bellies, get our hearts burning for reconciliation.

The capacity to embrace the past and acknowledge truth telling, what we as First Nations people stand for and how it forms everyone's national identity is how we can move forward together. 

NAIDOC Week is about remembering our past and listening to help create a future that is steeped in the spirit of reconciliation and a journey of healing - the body, the soul, hearts and the spirit of our nation. 

This NAIDOC, make sure you attend an event, surround yourself with community, support Blak business, artists and grass roots organisations, educate yourself and those around you."

BGF provides culturally appropriate and tailored support and we believe that by standing together and addressing these challenges head-on, we can build a future where the health and well-being of Indigenous Australians are both prioritised and protected.

This NAIDOC Week, BGF is also excited to partner with the National Indigenous Australians Agency for the first Indigenous All-Stahz Mini-Ball. This celebration of ballroom culture is the culmination of two ballroom workshops presented by Gusta Silky, Kai Silky and King 007.

“This ball was created to celebrate blackfullas and our culture. We also want to engage and enter ballroom culture as well,” organisers say.

“We are raising money for Bobby Goldsmith Foundation through our ticket sales, so any extra donations are welcome. The money is going towards mob living with HIV.”

The Indigenous All-Stahz Mini-Ball is sold out but you can donate to ensure that all those living with HIV are supported.