NAIDOC Week

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister please inform the council on his attendance at the NAIDOC event at the Living Kaurna Culture Centre?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in Aboriginal affairs and particularly events that occur around the Marion area. It was a privilege to be invited to attend a NAIDOC event recently at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, hosted by the member for Boothby, Louise Miller-Frost.

It was heartening to see a large and diverse crowd which included the then Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week on what was quite a fresh Sunday morning. Importantly, the event provided a platform for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to connect, learn and share experiences. This years' NAIDOC theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, encapsulated the celebration of Aboriginal people, resilience and pride, which was a key point of discussion amongst the many in attendance.

I would like to give a special mention to Corey Turner, a Kaurna leader who, through his business Southern Cultural Immersion, plays a pivotal role in organising and facilitating events. Corey and his family have been managing the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Marion for the last few years and have done a tremendous job in utilising the grounds and the infrastructure.

Through Corey, the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre offers a variety of activities and events focused on Aboriginal and environmental education, including educational programs, cultural activities and performances that aim to celebrate and preserve the cultural heritage of the Kaurna people.

The site is a significant historical and cultural space serving as a traditional ceremonial meeting place for Kaurna people and a venue for ongoing cultural and spiritual practices. The centre also hosts meetings, training days, events and workshops, and is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Kaurna culture and history. I understand the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre also showcases emerging and established Aboriginal artists and creatives, as is reflected by the fact that the late Archie Roach held his very last Adelaide performance in front of hundreds at this venue.

I would particularly like to pay tribute to and thank Louise Miller-Frost for the invitation to attend this event, congratulate Corey and his team on the important work they do, and look forward to attending many more events at this important place.