Lander & Rogers acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and pays respects to Elders past and present.
This week, people come together across Australia to celebrate the stories, cultures and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The theme for NAIDOC Week this year is Always Was, Always Will Be – an important recognition that First Nations people have held custodianship and connection with our country for more than 65,000 years.
Empowering our First Nations people
Three years ago, the Uluru Statement from the Heart invited all Australians to come together in a national dialogue to positively shape our shared future. In our joint response, Lander & Rogers reconfirmed its commitment to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we take steps toward reconciliation.
We are privileged to partner with organisations that allow us to build strong relationships with Indigenous communities, enriching our knowledge and understanding as we work together to create meaningful change.
The following organisations are leading important initiatives to address disadvantage, promote respect and create opportunities for the communities they serve.
Djirra
Since 2002, Djirra has been providing culturally safe support, assistance and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence and sexual assault. Together with Family Violence Prevention Legal Services across Australia, Djirra are an important link for First Nations women. We're proud that by working together, we are able to support victims of family violence in rebuilding their lives and setting strong foundations for their families' future.
Warmun Art Centre
Warmun Art Centre was founded 22 years ago as part of a contemporary artists' movement in the remote Warmun community in Western Australia's Kimberley region. Now, it's a thriving gallery and community centre that celebrates and promotes the art, language and culture of Gija people.
Since partnering with Warmun Art Centre in 2013, we've worked closely with the Warmun community, spending time with the artists during biannual visits to the Centre and learning about Gija cultural values and the land to which the community is connected. When COVID-19 forced Warmun Art Centre to close to the public earlier this year, we advised them on how to continue their sales online. They are now one of the most successful remote art centres selling works online – while bringing their art to a wider national and international audience.
Cathy Freeman Foundation (CFF)
CFF's education programs create opportunities for Indigenous students to gain confidence and reach their potential. We've worked with the Foundation for 10 years, providing pro bono legal assistance and welcoming students from remote communities to our offices to share knowledge and offer insight into post-school opportunities.
For the last month, people across our firm have taken part in Cathy Freeman's Stride for Education challenge to each run, walk or wheel 115km – the average distance between CFF's partner communities and their nearest major town. At last count, we'd achieved a group effort of 486,347km – while raising awareness of the valuable support the Foundation provides to children and teenagers in remote communities, throughout their schooling and beyond.
We are excited to see how our relationships develop and strengthen into the future. Read more about our firm's support and promotion of reconciliation here.
