This week as part of NAIDOC celebrations, Sturdie joined the South Australian Aboriginal Building & Civil Construction Academy for an open day “For Our Elders” – celebrating the important role our Elders have played, and continue to play, in guiding younger generations to have better futures than the last. Paying homage to our Elders in a sign of deep respect and appreciation for the profound impact they continue to deliver for their communities.
Local Aboriginal Elder, Academy Steering Group Member, and RAW Group Ambassador Jeffrey Newchurch greeted attendees with a hug before they learned of the work being done and progress being made by the RAW Group and ABCC.
Elders Aunty Yvonne Agius and Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch were recognised with awards for their roles in passing down tradition and culture to Aboriginal children and providing support in our modern society.
Sturdie General Manager and Director Matt Smith spoke about the open day and the impact of being involved.
“We felt privileged to be a part of the first smoking ceremony at the ABCC and RAW Group HQ. The smoking ceremony is a spiritual welcome where we were encouraged to participate as it bound us together and provided a duty of care to keep us all safe.”
“At Sturdie, we are committed to engaging with the Aboriginal community and look to educate ourselves aiding our devotion to provide an all-inclusive workplace.”
L-R: Michael Kerr (Sturdie Estimating Manager), John Lochowiak (General Manager, Aboriginal Civil and Construction Academy), Matt Smith, (Sturdie General Manager & Director), Aboriginal Elder Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch (Director, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation) & Allan Jones (Managing Director RAW Group).