At Pipe Management Australia (PMA), we are proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week in 2024, reflecting on the rich heritage, history, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration in Australia that honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which began as a protest movement in the 1920s. Today, NAIDOC Week features various events, including cultural performances, art exhibitions, and educational activities, aiming to promote understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. The week is marked by the presentation of the NAIDOC Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions by Indigenous individuals and communities. Each year, the celebration is guided by a specific theme highlighting significant aspects of Indigenous history or contemporary issues.
NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to honour the enduring culture and achievements of Indigenous peoples. In 2023, we were honored to commission a remarkable piece of artwork by Steven Bekue, a talented artist and a proud Bundjalung man whose lifelong relationship with water deeply resonates with our mission.
Steven beautifully articulated,
“As a Bundjalung man, I’ve grown up and lived by the water my whole life. Learning the cultural significance of all the waterways through cultural connection and making sure we care for the water as it gives us healing, our spirituality, connection to our food source and totems.”
This profound understanding is especially meaningful to us at PMA, as our work with waterways aligns closely with the principles Bekue expresses. We recognise that waterways are not just physical resources, but are integral to the spiritual and cultural identity of Indigenous communities. They provide healing, sustain spirituality, and offer a vital connection to food sources and totems. Steven Bekue’s artwork serves as a visual representation and reminder of these deep connections and our shared responsibility to protect and nurture our environment.
Through initiatives like commissioning Indigenous art, we aim to celebrate and elevate the voices and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our partnership with Steven Bekue and the acknowledgment of the cultural significance of waterways highlight our commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural respect. As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, we are reminded of the importance of learning from and supporting the Indigenous communities, ensuring that their traditions and knowledge are honored and preserved for future generations. This celebration is a step towards greater understanding and reconciliation, fostering a shared respect and commitment to the land and waterways that sustain us all.