Author: Kerri

NAIDOC Week 2025: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy

This year marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week—a significant milestone in recognising and celebrating the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week began as a movement for justice and equality. It was led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who demanded a future built on truth and respect. Five decades on, NAIDOC Week stands as a national celebration of the oldest continuing cultures on earth—cultures that have survived, adapted and thrived in the face of incredible challenges.

While this moment is one of celebration, it is also a time for reflection. The path has not always been easy—and the work is far from over. We must continue to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, defend rights, and stand together against racism and injustice.

The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, celebrates not only these achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.

NAIDOC Week reminds us of the power of community, the strength found in culture, and the responsibility we all share in building a more just and inclusive future. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, let us walk forward with the next generation—stronger, wiser and more connected than ever.

You can support NAIDOC Week and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

This year you will find Illawarra Legal Centre participating in the following NAIDOC events:
Monday 7/7/25 11am-2pm – Shellharbour City Council NAIDOC Event at Shellharbour Civic Centre
Tuesday 8/7/25 10am-1pm – Warrawong NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Darcy Wentworth Park Warrawong
Thursday 10/7/25 10am-2pm – CareWays NAIDOC Event at Koonawarra Community Centre
Friday 11/7/25 10am-2pm – Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre NAIDOC at their centre

#NAIDOC2025
#NAIDOCWeek
#StrengthVisionLegacy
#NAIDOC

Celebrate NAIDOC week with us!

National Reconciliation Week – Bridging Now to Next

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) invites all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can foster reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme is Bridging Now to Next.  It invites all Australians to move forward with hope and determination, guided by the lessons of the past and the promise of the future inspiring us to build a brighter and more united Australia.

Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.  It is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

We must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We must call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

Reconciliation is a journey filled with opportunities to learn, grow and work together. While challenges may arise, these moments remind us of the power of resilience and connection. By staying engaged, we can create meaningful change.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Together, we can:

• Champion the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Stand up against racism and injustice.
• Elevate and celebrate the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Take steps toward a shared future grounded in truth, respect and equity.

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s seize this moment to pave the way for a fairer, more just and reconciled country for all.  When it comes to reconciliation, we all have a role to play. 

#NRW2025

To find out more about a just, equitable and reconciled Australia visit:

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation NSW

To find out out how ILC is contributing to the collective action for reconciliation, you can read our Reconciliation Action Plan

ILC’s Reconciliation Plan

 

National Sorry Day/ National Day of Healing. 

Every year, on 26th May, National Sorry Day is held in Australia, a time to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

On this day we commemorate the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, and culture in a systematic attempt to “assimilate” them into white Australian culture.

These children were placed in institutions or foster care, growing up disconnected from their identity, kinship, and Country.  These removals occurred under government-sanctioned “assimilation” and “protection” policies.

The trauma caused by these policies has had lasting effects, which is why on National Sorry Day we remember, we reflect, and we acknowledge the enduring pain and intergenerational trauma faced by the Stolen Generations and their communities. 

This day calls on all Australians to reflect on the past, recognise the ongoing impacts of these policies, and commit to the process of reconciliation. Each of us has a role to play in the healing of our nation.

We extend our respect to the Stolen Generations, and we acknowledge the strength and resilience of survivors, the ongoing grief and loss experienced by many individuals and families, and we recognise the pain and intergenerational trauma that continues.

 

#NationalSorryDay

#SorryDay

#NationalDayOfHealing 

Bringing-them-home-report-1997

 

National Volunteer Week – Connecting Communities

More than six million people in Australia volunteer through organisations across the nation. Millions more volunteer informally in their local communities, helping neighbours and strangers, especially in times of crisis and adversity.

Volunteers are an essential workforce, spanning major sectors, including aged and disability care; sports, the arts; crisis response and recovery; and legal (community legal centres like the Illawarra Legal Centre).

So, join us this National Volunteer Week as we celebrate how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging in our communities.

This National Volunteer Week we honour the remarkable contributions volunteers make at the Illawarra Legal Centre and extend our heartfelt thanks.  We witness firsthand the transformative power of volunteerism, as individuals generously give their time to a cause they believe in.

So, a resounding “Thank You!” to our outstanding volunteers—whether they serve on our Board, provide legal expertise, assist as students, or lend their support in various other capacities. Your contributions enable ILC to expand its reach and enhance its services, touching the lives of more people.

We deeply appreciate your unwavering dedication and commitment!

If you’re interested in volunteering or wish to explore opportunities with ILC, please reach out to us.

Wishing everyone a Happy National Volunteer Week!

#NVW2025

#ConnectingCommunities

#volunteers

#volunteering

Law Week NSW is back!

Law Week is an annual celebration that is all about creating greater access to justice.

NSW Law Week is program of community events and activities that are designed to help you understand your rights, the law, the legal system and the legal profession. Law Week is all about demystifying the law and empowering people – something we are very passionate about.

The law affects each of our daily lives. That effect can be in your home, work, relationships, where you are or what you buy. Sometimes it is easy to deal with, or it can be difficult. We all need information about our legal rights and responsibilities. Many problems in our lives have legal answers. Understanding whether your problem has a legal aspect could help you resolve it.

Join us from 19 to 25 May 2025 for a series of events, webinars and activities to help
you understand your rights, the law and the legal system. Find out what’s on at lawweeknsw.org.au

If you are in need of FREE legal advice now, call our office on 4276 1939 to book an appointment.

#LawWeek2025

#LawWeek

Equal Rights. Equal Opportunities. Equal Power.

International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, is a global call to action for women and girls worldwide. It’s a day to rise, demand change, and work towards a more equal world for everyone.

IWD is an opportunity to address the challenges women continue to face, such as gender inequality, violence, and abuse. It also serves as a day to celebrate and recognize the economic, political, and social achievements of women past and present.

While important progress has been made, women face significant obstacles to achieving equal participation in the economy. Women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world. When women are given equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead – entire communities thrive.

Two important messages being shared this year are:

• ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. – UN Women
• ‘Accelerate Action’. – International Women’s Day website

IWD serves as a reminder to governments, businesses, and communities that women will not be overlooked. We are here, and we are ready to take action to achieve equal human rights.

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

Although significant barriers to gender equality remain, with the right actions and support, we can create positive change. By breaking down obstacles and fostering diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come.

So, on this day, we ask you to:

Take action to drive gender parity.

Celebrate women’s achievements.

Raise awareness about discrimination.

Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC) provides free legal advice and services, so if you or anyone you know is being impacted by gender discrimination, violence or abuse, contact us on 4276 1939.

Happy International Women’s Day!

#ForAllWomenAndGirls

#AccelerateAction

#IWD2025

To find out more visit: 

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

https://unwomen.org.au/get-involved/international-womens-day/

Over the last 8 months, our First Nations Social Work Cadet Emma has been gaining incredible hands-on experience, working alongside Ji, our identified solicitor. 

Working closely alongside Ji, Emma has been learning how a social worker can work alongside solicitors in the legal sector to ultimately provide strong holistic support for clients. Emma has highlighted how beneficial it has been to be a part of this program from a social work perspective as law underpins many social work core principles. Being in the law sector also allows social workers to provide a more holistic view towards clients. 

Together, Ji and Emma have made a real impact by:

• Supporting community outreaches at the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Aunty Jean’s Chronic Care Group.
• Actively participating in the Illawarra Aboriginal Community-Based Working Group and attending their annual Reconciliation Lunch.
• Providing compassionate, holistic legal support to clients and connecting them to additional services.
• Observing District, Supreme, and Coroners Court proceedings to deepen her understanding of the justice system.

Emma has had particular interest in the outreaches that ILC does with the community and has learnt the importance of rapport-building in the community and working with client in a space that they are familiar with and feel safe in. The experience has also enabled Emma to network with other community workers and services, experience the ups and downs of the legal practice and ultimately how to ensure the best outcome for the clients we work with.

Emma’s and Ji’s dedication to Indigenous social justice and their community is inspiring and we’re so proud to have had the opportunity to be on this journey, helping Emma to build the skills to make a lasting difference in the community legal sector.ecuring a home.

Ji – Aboriginal Access and Community Engagement Solicitor (left) and Emma – First Nations Cadet (right)

#CLCNSWFirstNationsCadet #FirstNationsCadetshipProgram #FirstNationsCadetship