CDU First Nations staff share their perspective on NAIDOC Week

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme of Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture. 

For Charles Darwin University (CDU) First Nations staff members Sarah Hogan, Skylie Monck and Peter Cummings the theme rings true with the week providing an opportunity for them and other staff to reflect on the importance of NAIDOC Week. 

As CDU’s Program Officer – Tutorial Support, Ms Monck, a proud Kungarakan woman from the Litchfield/Batchelor region NAIDOC week holds a deep significance. 

“It is a time to celebrate and honour our rich cultures, achievements, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australian society,” Ms Monck said. 

“It is a time to consider the tenacity and power of First Nations communities, to acknowledge their ongoing battles, and to push for justice, equality, and acknowledgement.”

“It is a moment to remember the history, rejoice in the present, and look forward to a time where Indigenous traditions are valued, supported, and honoured in every aspect of Australian society.”

Working in her role since the end of April, Ms Monck is a part of the team that provides free tutoring to First Nations students studying at CDU. 

Her role involves advocating for and empowering Frist Nations students.

“In my role, I also embrace the responsibility to promote understanding, respect, and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples within the university. 

For Ms Hogan who is from the Dunghutti and Eora region and works as CDU’s Advancement support and Events Officer, being a First Nations Staff member is something she is proud of. 

“To think it was only 58 years ago that the first Indigenous person - Charles Perkins graduated from the University of Sydney,” Ms Hogan said

“I think it shows the impact that universities have had on First Nations people and having more of our own people in these positions helps to bridge the gap and break down some of those barriers.” 

“At times I think having a First Nations person a part of the team helps provide a different perspective to some of the projects taking place and how best to approach them,” she said. 

For Ms Hogan, NAIDOC Week is about coming together.

“It is a chance to celebrate our culture but most importantly it is to share our culture. It is also a time to reflect and plan for our future generations by educating them on the past and developing tangible community led solutions for our future,” Ms Hogan said. 

Mr Cummings has worked at CDU as an Administrations Officer for over 10 years and enjoys the workplace culture. 

“As an Indigenous man working at CDU, I feel happy to be employed and enjoy working in such as friendly workplace,” Mr Cummings said.

“For me NAIDOC Week is about taking the time to think about our community and what they have experienced and feel happy for those who are celebrating on their Country.”