On Thursday 16 March our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group hosted a National Close the Gap Day celebration for 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Strong Culture, Strong Youth: Our Legacy, Our Future’ which highlights the vital role of culture in achieving positive long-term health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The event commenced with a Welcome to Country by proud Indigenous Elder of the Newcastle Aboriginal community Aunty Cheryl.
Aunty Cheryl was then joined by her cousin Uncle Ray for a vocal performance and storytelling highlighting the role of their Elders in passing down the stories of their generations. The performance was followed by a morning tea catered by our friends at Numa Ngarra, where staff enjoyed toasted crustini's with crocodile and kangaroo meats, lemon myrtle cheesecake and scones with a range of native jams, including green ant lemon marmalade!
