NAIDOC Week Celebrations at Resthaven

In honour of NAIDOC Week 2019 (7-14 July), several Resthaven sites held celebrations and hosted special guests.

At Resthaven Paradise, Indigenous artist, Kristen Forbes, visited to share her culture and history through the expression of art.

Kristen is a Narrunga (SA) and Arrente (NT) Indigenous woman, and this is the second time she has visited Resthaven Paradise, having visited for NAIDOC Week in 2018.

Kristen says, "Teaching the older community about Aboriginal Art has a positive impact, as I am able to demonstrate my culture not just through words and sharing my story, but also through the involvement of the individuals with the artwork."

"They learn not only about the past, but the positive changes of the future."

Over at Resthaven Craigmore, residents celebrated with a beautiful Indigenous-themed artwork display, Craft Group activities, and a site barbeque.

Acting Lifestyle Coordinator, Samantha Matthews, says, "Mr Ernie Wilson, who is a proud Indigenous man, especially enjoyed our NAIDOC Week festivities."

"Ernie enjoyed plenty of sausages at our barbeque, which was well attended by residents and staff from all across the home."

"A sure sign of the barbeque’s success was that more than fifty sausages were cooked!"

"Of our Aboriginal artwork display in the foyer, Ernie gave his tick of approval, saying, 'I love the artwork, it’s a lovely painting.'"

"Along with the artwork display and the site barbeque, residents also created some wonderful Indigenous-themed creations, including an Aboriginal flag made out of paper."

"We were honoured to celebrate NAIDOC Week, in honour of Australia’s 65,000 year old Indigenous voice."

Resthaven residential care homes are located across metropolitan Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Port Elliot and Mount Gambier. Resthaven community services also supports older people living independently in their own homes throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Murraylands, Fleurieu, Riverland and Limestone Coast.