Naidoc Week 2021

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

This year, the theme for NAIDOC week is “Heal Country, Heal our Nation”. Healing Country means hearing those pleas to provide greater management, involvement, and empowerment to Indigenous peoples over country.

Jacqueline Agius, Work Health and Safety Commissioner recognises the importance of NAIDOC week.

“Country is more than a place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Country is their identity, it sustains their lives spiritually, emotionally, socially and culturally. WorkSafe ACT is on Ngunnawal Country, we walk in the footsteps of all of those before us with the deepest respect.”

Jacqui would also like to extend her congratulations to one of WorkSafe’s inspectors Leilani McGurgan who has just been awarded the ACT NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year!

“Lani joined the WorkSafe ACT team in March this year after completing her electrical apprenticeship and she has proven to be a committed and hardworking member of the team. Lani’s managers speak highly of her electrical technical knowledge.”

“Her expertise is called upon by other inspectors when WorkSafe ACT is dealing with alleged non-compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the associated regulations She displays a keen sense of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.”

The following statement is from Ms Leilani McGurgan who is a proud Bundjalung woman:

“I am hugely proud to accept this award! I completed my electrical apprenticeship in December 2020 and am now working at WorkSafe ACT as an inspector in the construction team. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at WorkSafe and have been provided so many opportunities because of my role.”

“The support I have received, particularly from my RTO, my teachers, WorkSafe ACT, my CMTEDD Indigenous mentoring group and my mentor Scott Sadler as well as my family and friends has been phenomenal.”

We understand that Leilani is the first Indigenous woman in the ACT to formally receive her electrical qualifications.

“I hope that in receiving this award I am able to encourage other Indigenous people and particularly women to be involved in the construction industry and to apply for opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.”

“Accepting this award was particularly special during NAIDOC week, which is a time to celebrate and support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”

WorkSafe ACT encourages everyone to get involved throughout NAIDOC week, with many events being held here in the ACT, with a full list available here.

For more information and resources about NAIDOC week, please visit their website.

Media contact

Amy Pedley

02 6205 4074

Amy.pedley@act.gov.au