Rise celebrated NAIDOC Week with an event at Harrisdale Pavilion on Friday, 12 July, courtesy of a grant from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). Embracing the 2024 NAIDOC theme "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud," our theme was "Fuelling Our Cultural Flame," providing an immersive cultural experience for the people we support at our social centres.



Gina Williams OAM (Balladong Noongar Woman) and Guy Ghouse, six-time WA Music Industry award winners, led an engaging Warangka (Song) Masterclass. They performed songs in the Noongar language, showcasing the beauty of this rare language through contemporary music, stunning vocals, poignant stories, and guitar brilliance.

Participants enjoyed a delicious Bush Tucker buffet lunch, featuring kangaroo pies and native-infused delicacies, catered by Aboriginal business Gather Foods, along with contributions from our fantastic Yira Mia and Peter Anderton cooks and kitchen staff.



The celebration continued with an educational didgeridoo and dance performance by Aliwah Cultural Enterprise, led by Noongar man Derek Nannup Jr and Noongar Yamatiji man Michael Spratt. Aliwah’s workshops aim to strengthen the cultural foundations of Aboriginal youth through traditional dance, weapons and tools demonstrations, and yarning circles.

Everyone had the opportunity to leave their mark on a ‘Collective Canvas’ facilitated by support worker and Yamatji woman, Raelene Woods.



We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rise staff and volunteers who made the celebration a success, as well as to the National Indigenous Australians Agency for their generous support and everyone in attendance. This event is part of our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive culture where everyone can belong, do their best, and make a difference to our community.

You can learn more about our Rise Values and Culture Statement by clicking here.