Naidoc honours carers

Alayas Wallce (second from left) with her cousisns, Olivia, Tyreese and Shayeleese Johnson celebrated NAIDOC Week yesterday at a foster carers' morning tea.

Chris Ison CI09/0709/3

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• Mass kicks off NAIDOC Week

ALAYAS Wallace has always admired what foster parents do for the community.

“They're pretty amazing people,” she said.

“Not everyone can do it.”

It seemed only fitting that Alayas show her respect by celebrating local foster carers at a Department of Communities (Child Safety) carers morning tea, as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

“They (carers) are very important in our community,” she said yesterday.

“They look after children from all different types of homes. They try to be a mother and father to children who might not have had a proper family upbringing.”

Alayas said about 100 people participated in NAIDOC celebrations yesterday, but today was the big day.

It's the annual Symbolic NAIDOC March and Community Expo.

She said it's a way to bring everyone together. This year's NAIDOC theme is 'Honouring our Elders - Nurturing our Youth'.

NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee.

Alayas said NAIDOC Week was very significant to her and the indigenous community.

“It's a way to celebrate our culture and identity.”

• 8.30am: Assemble at Bolsover Street City Hall for the annual Symbolic NAIDOC March.

• 10.30am: Annual NAIDOC Community Expo at the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds, Goodsall Street, Nth R'ton. Entry free.