TFA Celebrates NAIDOC Week 2022

On Wednesday the 6^th of July 2022 over 300 people attended the Touch Football fields in Deakin, ACT for the 2022 Australian Public Service NAIDOC Week Touch Football Competition. After missing the last two years due to Covid-19, the competition was back for its 18^th instalment which first started back in 2003.

The event was proudly supported by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Health and Aged care and delivered by Touch Football Australia’s ACT office.

The competition has become a key celebratory event for NAIDOC week in Canberra, promoting understanding and respect amongst Indigenous and non-Indigenous Commonwealth Government employees.

Many Australian Government agencies have a proud history participating in the competition as part of the annual NAIDOC week celebrations to acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The competition is designed to carry the message of NAIDOC Week ‘Get up! Stand up! Show up! and all teams did just that through their participation and with some terrific jersey designs on show in this year’s event.

We asked Leanne Goolagong (Proud Wiradjuri Woman and Indigenous Liaison Officer for the Department of employment and workplace relations). What NAIDOC week means to her?

“It’s the moment our Mob get to shine, highlight our culture and show the diversity of our culture. Its great to see not only Indigenous people how but also non-Indigenous people here to supporting us which is the road to reconciliation. able to have indigenous people together”.

The weather stayed dry and by midday the sun started to peak through the clouds in what was perfect conditions for players and spectators.

Special congratulations to the Department of Health and Aged Care who were awarded as the Best Spirited Team of the 2022 NAIDOC Touch Carnival.