A SOCIAL and emotional wellbeing resource made specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the South East will be launched as part of NAIDOC Week.
This year’s NAIDOC Theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, aims to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to continue being proud of their culture and heritage.
The launch of the journal will be held in the foyer of the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre alongside minor formalities, catering, youth friendly activities and an opportunity to see the journal before its distribution.
headspace Mount Gambier community liaison Worker Nick McInerney said the team were looking forward to the launch.
“We are excited to launch this journal as a locally relevant and culturally appropriate social and emotional wellbeing resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth,” Mr McInerney said.
“This project has seen collaboration from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers, headspace staff and been approved by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, with input and oversight from the headspace Youth Reference Group.”
The event will also highlight the work of local artist and proud Ngarrindjeri man Shaq, who created a colourful digital artwork featured on the journal cover.
“We are proud to feature an amazing artwork by Shaq and we look forward to sharing this resource with our community,” Mr McInerney said.
A printed version of Shaq’s artwork will be displayed at the launch and in addition to the formalities, the Riddoch will offer a digital virtual reality painting experience for attendees to get creative and an optional tour of current exhibitions by artists Beth Kay, Natalya Hughes and Clarice Beckett.
Following the launch, headspace will distribute the journal to schools and service providers throughout the local area.
NAIDOC Week celebrations start on Monday and continue throughout the week with the headspace and Riddoch collaboration happening on Friday from 12pm until 2pm.
