An Invitation to Keep the Fire Burning - A Yarn on Country (22 Jul 2024)

Hello everyone,

I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of this year’s NAIDOC Week and the call for us all to Keep the Fire Burning.

While the celebrations may be over, let us keep the fire burning all year round and carry the spirit of NAIDOC week not just in our workplaces but in all aspects of our lives. Let us continue to champion for culturally safe and respectful workplaces, and ensure our actions reflect our commitment to justice and equality.

I also encourage everyone to take the time to watch the wonderful and inspiring video, Keep the Fire Burning – A Yarn on Country, prepared by the State Service Management Office (SSMO) within DPAC, which highlights the importance of connections to Country, community, family and Culture.

Please set aside one of the times listed below in your diary and at that time, click on the relevant link which will take you to the live screening.

This year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud” invited all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are fully valued and respected.

This resonates with the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to honour the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples, who are the original and continuing custodians of Country, water, sea and sky Country of this place we are privileged to now also call home.

Throughout NAIDOC week we witnessed events across Lutruwita/Tasmania including flag raisings, smoking ceremonies, various cultural workshops, community days and street marches.

From wearing NAIDOC inspired scrubs in our hospitals , to inspiring young minds in our schools, your participation in cultural activities, willingness to listen and learn, and efforts to create respectful workplaces and foster important conversations has shone during NAIDOC Week.

I am immensely proud of how you acknowledged and participated in NAIDOC week, supporting and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and communities, and let us continue to do so.

Please see date options to watch Keep the Fire Burning – A Yarn on Country below.

Keep the Fire Burning – A Yarn on Country screenings:

Tuesday 13 August 2024 A Yarn on Country event 10.30am to 11.10am

Thursday 15 August 2024 A Yarn on Country event 10am to 10.45am

Monday 19 August 2024 A Yarn on Country event 10.30am to 11.10am

Kathrine Morgan-Wicks
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
22 Jul 2024