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Throughout NAIDOC Week, we are sharing voices from Country. These are stories of leadership, culture and connection that continue across generations.
This NAIDOC Week, we hear from three strong First Nations leaders in Central Australia: Veronica Turner, Co-Director of Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe (Children’s Ground Central Australia); Veronica Doolan, First Nations Researcher; and Melarli Gorey, Coordinator.
Together, they speak with openness and depth about culture, language and leadership across generations. Their reflections show the power of leading with care, the depth of knowledge they hold, and the strength to speak with pride and vulnerability.
They’re the ones we’ve got to look after because they’re the opportunity we have. Families and communities come together for their kids’ sake. Veronica Turner - Co-Director of Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe (Children’s Ground Central Australia)
They’re the ones we’ve got to look after because they’re the opportunity we have. Families and communities come together for their kids’ sake.
This year’s NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, is lived in community every day. These women share the importance of cultural identity, of knowing who you are and where you belong, and of ensuring children grow up surrounded by love, knowledge and opportunity.
Our children are our next generation. That’s why we centre them. Veronica Doolan - First Nations Researcher, Central Australia
Our children are our next generation. That’s why we centre them.
Their words reflect the leadership that lives within community. It is leadership that listens, nurtures and acts with insight and care. Each generation builds on the last, carrying knowledge forward and preparing the next to grow proud in culture and confident in themselves.
There is strength in them. They might not feel it every day, but they are here. There will be a time when they are heard. Their strength will shine. Melarli Gorey - Coordinator, Central Australia
There is strength in them. They might not feel it every day, but they are here. There will be a time when they are heard. Their strength will shine.
