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Two ways you can become a better ally this NAIDOC Week.
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Dear ,

Two years is an awfully long time.

And so when I walked into the W Melbourne in Naarm earlier this week and saw a packed room of people, I couldn't help but smile.

Here we were, choosing to mark and celebrate NAIDOC Week together - after years of being apart.

Choosing to sit in the truth of our past, to tell stories, to share wisdom, and to work together to ensure a bright future for First Nations people in every corner of this unceded land.

‘NAIDOC is only one week of the year, but it’s an amazing opportunity for us to really spotlight and think about those who’ve paved the way for us and the mob that are still here today advocating,’ shared filmmaker, director and writer, Kimberley Benjamin.

The energy in the room was palpable.

Despite the frequent clink of silverware, we were all completely rapt - listening to the honesty and power of awesome First Nations women like Kimberley and her fellow panellists Tanya Hosch, General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy at the AFL; and Nerita Waight, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service’s Chief Executive Officer.

They shared their vision for the future with us and called on allies to take action to support First Nations voices.

‘Power allied with ignorance is the most ferocious enemy that justice can have,' warned Tanya Hosch.

'You don’t have to speak for us, but you can make it clear that you agree and amplify.’

‘Channel the energy in this room that we've created today, and think about the ways that you can take this into your own worlds,' urged Kimberely.

I still feel that energy and determination, even days later, as I replay the musings Nerita Waight left us with, before we said our goodbyes and returned to a bustling and cold Melbourne morning.

‘First Nations communities are not just stories of the same disadvantage.'

'We are stories of adversity, yes, but strength and determination and purpose and innovative solutions.’

Solutions, strength and determination. Despite adversity.

It's not a hard thing for anyone to remember. But it means the world to hear it said out loud, and bears repeating - during NAIDOC Week, and year-round.

Yours in the fight,
Madison Howarth
Online Learning Manager, Future Women

With thanks to our partners 🙏


Our heartfelt thanks go to our partners Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and Witchery, without whom we could not have brought together this panel of exceptional First Nations women.

Couldn't join us in person? Don't fret. Madison Howarth breaks down the biggest and best moments from our time together in Naarm here.

😲 The four word response that left us gobsmacked


Money School Director Lacey Filipich's joined us on The Download this week to share her top tips on getting through interest rate rises, increasing costs of living and her not-so-secret weapon when asking for a pay raise.


Find out what Lacey had to say and why it may be the single best piece of advice we've heard, below.
The Download, 5 July with Lacey Filipich, Sally Spicer and Bojana Kos

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