Adelaide Salvos celebrate NAIDOC with food, song and remembrance
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
Personnel at Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) in Adelaide this week celebrated NAIDOC in a delayed event run by Maria Anderson-Tanner, Divisional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator SA/NT.
The event, organised by Executive Assistant Meredith Watson and Administration Assistant Sreeja Sreenilayam Gopinathan, featured a talk by Maria and a short address by South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander Captain Scott Frame.
As part of the service, Maria and husband Paul Tanner, Port Augusta Corps Ministry Team Leader, led the group in ‘Sweep Over My Soul’ sung in both English and Pitjantjatjara. Maria also discussed the contributions of courageous Indigenous leaders from across the nation, including William Cooper, Sir Doug Nicholls, Charlie Perkins, Vincent Lingiari, Eddie Koiki Mabo and Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue.
“These leaders did not walk the same path,” Maria said. “Some were pastors. Some were activists. Some challenged the courts, but they all had one thing in common. They believed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people deserve dignity, justice and respect.
“Because they stood, we can continue to stand today.”
Following the service, personnel enjoyed teriyaki kangaroo tail and kangaroo tikka masala, prepared by Maria.
Maria thanked the staff at DHQ for their openness, hospitality and willingness to be a part of the celebration.
“We celebrate the strength, resilience and wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation,” Maria said. “Thank you for creating a space where we can share our stories through song and culture, and where we can walk together in respect, understanding and friendship.
“May today be a celebration of unity, hope and reconciliation as we honour the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future together.”
