Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) recently concluded a week of celebration and festivities to commemorate 20 years of delivering community and outreach services across the Northern Territory.
On Wednesday 23rd May, LNAC, along with many of its key stakeholders, staff and elders, attended a formal Parliamentary Reception, hosted by the Chief Minister’s Office to commemorate LNAC’s 20th Anniversary. The evening commenced with speeches by Ngaree Ah Kit and LNAC Chairperson, Richard Fejo, followed by food platters and drinks.
Following the Parliamentary Reception, LNAC hosted an evening of celebration by the seaside with its staff, members and sponsors at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club. The event included dinner, presentations and live entertainment by the Mystics band.
LNAC acknowledges its Major Sponsors, Intract, Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation and INPEX Australia for supporting the corporation in this significant milestone.
CEO, Robert Cooper, said the Anniversary has come at a time of significant growth for the corporation, stating, “In the past 6 months, we have expanded our Aged & Disability Services program, recommenced engagement with our Larrakia artists, and commenced supplying the NT Government with Day Patrol Services.
“The corporation has returned to a position of profitability, meaning we can now consider reinvesting our profits in the preservation and promotion of the Larrakia culture.”
To conclude the week of celebration, LNAC hosted a Family Fun Day at the Jingili Water Gardens on Saturday 26 May, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary with the whole Darwin community. Families from multicultural backgrounds participated in a range of fun activities such as weaving, painting, singing, animal handling, and lots more. The Mills Sisters put on a wonderful show of singing and entertainment, followed by a performance by the Upai Purri Dance Group.
The event was a success, thanks to the organisations, volunteers and staff who participated in the event and ran stalls.
Larrakia Nation is especially grateful to its sponsors, Larrakia Development Corporation, Aboriginal Broadcasting Australia and AMSANT for supporting this significant milestone, and looks toward a positive future of strengthening its relationships within the Darwin community.
Chairperson, Richard Fejo, stated, “In 20 years’ time, I can only hope that we rise higher than were we are now.
“It’s very important that we maintain unity within our Larrakia Nation structure. It’s also very important that we reflect positively on the Larrakia achievements and [what we’re doing] across Darwin for the unity of our multicultural communities.”
“Anyone who lives on Larrakia land is a part of the Larrakia story.”