We celebrated NAIDOC week from 7 to 14 July. Amid its backdrop, take a look at some of the ways we’re showing our support for First Nations peoples through education and partnerships.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
NAIDOC week marks another opportunity for us as a business to connect with indigenous Australia—to celebrate, learn, nurture and support. The week’s stated purpose is to “celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples”.
This year’s NAIDOC week theme was Keep the fire burning. Its meaning is explained by the official NAIDOC Week website:
“The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.”
At UniSuper, we’re incredibly proud of our connection to Indigenous Australia, and of our efforts to support First Nations peoples. But we know there’s always ways we can improve in this space.
Education for employees and members
UniSuper has a strong focus on First Nations education, both internally and externally, and NAIDOC week is an ideal time to celebrate and bring this learning to life. After all, education is part of why it’s such a special time.
As a fund, our purpose is to provide great retirement outcomes for all members. We recognise that First Nations peoples may face additional challenges when it comes to their super, and to planning for retirement—so it’s important that tailored resources are available.
Our specialised First Nations Financial Wellbeing live webcast ran on Monday 8 July—it’s available on demand via our new First Nations education page, which forms part of our learning hub. The page houses useful information for First Nations peoples to shape great retirement outcomes and hone in on their financial wellbeing. The page underwent thorough user testing before launching and incorporated feedback from our employer partners.
Internally, team members were invited to join a unique ‘lunch and learn’ on 9 July – an interactive session with a guest speaker – which looked at the origins and intentions of NAIDOC week through art and culture. Sarai Atkinson, the founder and CEO of Wanyara and proud Yorta Yorta and Kulin woman from Shepparton, Victoria, encouraged participants to immerse themselves in the learning, simply by creating their own art with a pen and paper.
Some of our pen and paper indigenous art. (Image: UniSuper)
In August, we’ll be joined by the STARS Project for a lunch and learn delving into their work around ear health with indigenous communities. We’re a proud supporter of this project and have committed funding to it.
Helping talent flourish
While our fund is now open to all Australians, we’ll never forget where our roots lie: in the higher education sector. Like our employer partners, we’re passionate about helping young people realise their full potential. We’re getting involved with First Nations initiatives at Australian universities—like the 28th Indigenous Nationals, which were held at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Dharawal, from 23 to 27 June. UniSuper was an event sponsor for the first time.
The Indigenous Nationals is an annual sporting carnival that brings together Indigenous student athletes from universities around Australia, with an underlying purpose of celebrating the heritage and rich sporting culture of Indigenous Australia. This year’s edition brought together more than 600 First Nations students from 33 Australian universities, with the University of Newcastle emerging victorious at the close of play.
Students compete in basketball at the 28th Indigenous Nationals. (Image: Jorjet Issavi)
Sport has proven itself as a way for indigenous Australians to showcase their talent, and any seasoned Aussie sports fan would be aware of the incredible contribution First Nations athletes have made to their sport of choice and to society more broadly. Think Adam Goodes, Patty Mills, Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Cathy Freeman, among a host of other stars.
Talent comes in many forms, but sport is one way we can help it flourish in First Nations people. UniSuper Employer Partnership Manager Jorjet Issavi works closely with UOW and is passionate about supporting First Nations programs. When she learned of the Indigenous Nationals, it sounded like a perfect fit, and so it proved.
Jorjet likened the party atmosphere at the event to the Olympics having soaked up the positive energy:
“Just to see everyone happy, the students happy—it was a great buzz, it was amazing. There was energy everywhere, students everywhere. There were all different uniforms … I loved being there. Any opportunity I get to support Indigenous Australia, I always do.”
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