To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Crown Resorts hosted a special function for students in Souths Cares’ Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) and Liverpool Opportunity Hub Programs as well as staff and Rabbitohs players at the Crown Resort in Barangaroo.
The event commenced with a powerful Welcome to Country from Aunty Barb Simms, who shared her cultural knowledge and explained how the NAIDOC theme of ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up,’ has been something she has been championing her whole life as a proud Bidjigal and Gweagal woman.
Aunty Barb was then joined by South Sydney Rabbitohs players Cody Walker, Blake Taafe and Jacob Host for a Q&A panel discussion hosted by Candice Bell, Crown’s Indigenous Programs Manager. The panel explored the NAIDOC theme in depth, whilst sharing their own experiences and taking questions from the audience.
Jeremiah Cutmore is a Year 12 student at Alexandria Park Community School and had the opportunity to ask Cody Walker about who inspired him to become the man he is today.
Cody shared a moving story with the audience about the impact of his late mother, who was instrumental in supporting him pursue his goal of playing NRL and made countless sacrifices to support him achieve his dreams.
Following the Q&A panel, each participant wrote their interpretation of the NAIDOC theme ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up’ on a handprint which was put on display and made a pledge to continue advocating for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Charlize Natividad is a participant in Souths Cares Liverpool Opportunity Hub program and explained the handprint workshop was a highlight of the event.
“I loved how we all made an individual pledge to Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up and showcased these handprints on the NAIDOC Banner.
As a young First Nations person it's important to make a stance for our old people who led the way, and now it’s our turn to do our part for our people”, Charlize said.
Guests were then treated to a delicious Buffet Lunch courtesy of Crown, which included over 50 multicultural food cuisines. During lunch, students had the opportunity to network with Crown staff and discuss the diverse career pathways available within the hospitality sector.
To conclude the event, the group was taken on VIP tour of the Crown Resort and learnt about the building’s design and engineering as well as the local Aboriginal history at Barangaroo.
Jesse-James Shortland is a participant in the Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program and left the event feeling inspired.
“I really enjoyed hearing the stories everyone shared, they were very inspiring. Having the opportunity to sit with Cody Walker and share my thoughts on the NAIDOC theme is something I’ll remember for a long time”, Jesse said.
