Learn, respect & celebrate NAIDOC Week at Perth Airport

NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is recognised nationally as an occasion to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians. This year’s theme of “We all stand on sacred ground: learn, respect and celebrate” is particularly relevant to Perth Airport, given the strong Aboriginal spiritual and cultural connection to the land on which the airport operates.

Performances and activities that provide staff with the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture and its significance to Perth Airport, including a bush tucker lunch and tour of Munday Swamp, will also take place during the week.

Perth Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Brad Geatches said Perth Airport was committed to engaging with the local Aboriginal community to recognise the strong connections they had with the airport estate.

“The land on which the airport operates forms part of the traditional network of communication routes, meeting places and camping sites of the Noongar people and we are proud to recognise this rich cultural heritage,” said Mr Geatches.

“We have an enduring Partnership Agreement with the Traditional Owners of the land as well as with the broader Noongar community, which provides the foundation for us to discuss airport planning and issues of cultural significance.

“Our relationship with the local community is very important to us and we actively seek opportunities to be involved in a range of community initiatives, particularly those with an Indigenous focus,” he said.

In partnership with Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth Airport will also be awarding two scholarships to the value of $15,000 each, to first year Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students undertaking studies at ECU, at a special ceremony at Terminal 3.

“We look forward to continuing this program and wish the 2015 scholarship recipients every success as they continue their studies,” said Mr Geatches.

The art exhibition will be located on level one of Terminal 3 from Monday 6 July to Sunday 12 July 2015.