NAIDOC 50th Anniversary celebrations

The 50th Anniversary of NAIDOC week was celebrated with traditional food, bands and Indigenous artworkds in the quad on Wednesday 25 July 2007.

Guest speakers Dick Rose and Darlene Garvey shared their experiences and gave an insight into the importance of education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

'I want you to know it is your sovereign right to attain a quality education because I do believe that education means power for you and your families,' Ms Garvey said.

'It doesn't matter how many pieces of paper you have, or how much you have studied – we must use our knowledge authentically to serve the needs of our communities.'

Ms Garvey was one of the first three Indigenous students to graduate with a Bachelor of Teaching from Australian Catholic University in 1991.

'Today, I see myself as an academic and researcher (of 12 hours) who is looking forward to carving a niche in Indigenous education.

'We must use our knowledge and achievements to honour those who have walked before us and benefit those yet to come.'

A traditional welcome, artdigenous display by Donna Moodie and flag raising ceremony were all part of the days celebrations in line with the NAIDOC week theme Looking Forward, Looking Blak.