During NAIDOC week each year, First Nations surfers and their families gather on Gumbaynggirr Country (Coffs Harbour, NSW) to take part in some healthy competition while promoting culture, connection and wellbeing.

This is the Naru Surf Gathering, the Naru Indigenous Corporation’s annual surfing event. Since 2017, the popular event has brought hundreds of people to saltwater Country in honour of Eric Mercy. 

When the bright orange blooms appear on the Mudjar Tree, it signals to Nyungar people that Birak (Summer) has begun. The tree is important in Nyungar culture. It brings knowledge about food, like the crayfish that exit their caves during Birak. Or the sweet edible gum that bleeds during Kambarang (Spring) after bark is pulled to make canoes or shields. It’s at the centre of spiritual stories and sacred knowledge.

Australian Kriol ... it’s the most widely-spoken language unique to Australia, and most people have never heard of it. Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation of Ngukurr in the Northern Territory is hoping to change that through its Meigim Kriol Strongbala (Make Kriol Strong) program. 

‘We’ll work really hard, but shove someone else up the front to get the glory.’ Vicki Thom of Mad Mob Aboriginal Corporation in the Hawkesbury, New South Wales might be uncomfortable with the spotlight, but she and her fellow directors deserve this pat on the back for their creation of a safe space for community members in the Hawkesbury.

It was a ruby anniversary celebration for South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation (SCMSAC) recently! The dedicated team celebrated 40 years of providing health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Shoalhaven area of the NSW south coast with an open day, gala evening and community fun day.