As part of our NAIDOC Week celebration recently, we recognised the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Freshwater Place team took part in a hands-on cooking session led by our community partner, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. Together, they prepared wholesome, flavour-packed dishes that included Indigenous ingredients to share with colleagues.

Two of our employees also shared what their First Nations heritage means to them. 

Debbie Meddings is the Compliance Training Advisor at our Cobram site and a proud Dja Dja Wurrung woman.

Debbie has shared two powerful artworks gifted by a Wiradjuri Elder, which represent her connection to Country, heritage, and the landscapes that have been a part of her life in the Bellarine Peninsula and Mt Buffalo.

My name is Debbie Meddings and I’m a proud Dja Dja Wurrung woman.

Here’s a photo of me holding two paintings created for me by David Dunn, a respected Wiradjuri Elder.

These artworks are more than just paint on canvas. They’re a reflection of my life, my memories, and my deep connection to Country.

The first painting below reflects my life by the sea, growing up and living on the Bellarine Peninsula in St Leonards. It captures life on the coast, including the salt air, open skies, and the ocean that’s shaped so much of who I am.

The second painting below represents my life in northern Victoria. It celebrates sunsets and my love for hiking in the mountains, especially around Mt Buffalo, which holds a special place in my heart.

My family heritage is rooted in the Dja Dja Wurrung Country, centered around Bendigo and its surrounding lands. When I think about my ancestry, I feel so much respect for the land and the animals that inhabit it. This connection is part of a legacy passed down through generations and a tribute to that journey.

Rebecca Redman is the Production & Capital Administrator at our Burnie site and a proud Trawlwoolway woman.

Rebecca speaks about the importance of cultural knowledge being passed to the next generation, and how her daughters are embracing their heritage through dance, language, and community.

“Ya pulingina” (Hello Welcome).

I’m Rebecca Redman (Production & Capital Administrator, Burnie). I’m a proud Trawlwoolway woman that lives in Lutruwita/Tasmania.

This year’s NAIDOC week theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” lies very close to my heart, because it’s important that our next generation learn and embrace our culture.

I have two daughters Lyla (7) and Daisy (5) and they have been a part of the Treenoner Dance Mob for the past year.

The mob gives them the opportunity to connect with culture, country and the Palawa people. They have shown great interest in learning Palawa kani (language), understanding how to care for Country and having great pride in teaching others what they have learnt.

The dance mob has been a fantastic way for our community to engage and connect and strengthens the relationship between our generations and the vision we all share for our culture.

To find out more, pop onto our “Treenoner Dance Mob” FB page.