Inclusive Design Pilot for NAIDOC Week

Directorate: Communications, Media, Events and Online Engagement, Events

Division: Corporate Services

Project summary

Focus Area:

• Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
• Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes

Project objective

Teams to develop projects based on inclusive design principles to inform delivery of online and in-person NAIDOC week events

Why is this important?

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, and to recognise the contribution Aboriginal Australians make to our department. Online workshops for staff are aligned with DCJ’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework, aiming to raise cultural knowledge among staff members.

Status report

Current Status: Cancelled

Date: 2022

Status Notes:

2022

A full pilot project was ultimately considered to be unnecessary given that the Events team inclusivity and accessibility protocols are already extensive and effective.

August 2021

Presentation with proposed actions has been sent to the Disability Employee Network and awaiting feedback

Proposal was presented to Inclusive Design Workshop Group on 5 May 2021

Develop an advisory group / working group with representatives from multiple Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) stakeholders to determine DCJ events program and communications.

2021 NAIDOC week consisted of the following online activities and content:

• Cooking class
• Interview with Aunty Beryl Van Oploo
• External events and resources (including virtual tour of Shell It exhibition)
• Team meeting discussion points
• 2020 language videos, podcasts, staff stories, cooking class
• Aboriginal Cultural Capability information, webpage and webapp re-launch video
• All staff email from Department Secretary
• Article and social media campaign about DCJ colleagues in regional NSW
• Feedback survey

Based on feedback and survey results, the following are some recommendations for future years:

• Opening ceremony for NAIDOC week including traditional Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander songs
• Smoking ceremony
• Traditional Aboriginal dancing and Didgeridoo playing
• Weaving workshop
• Dot painting
• DCJ staff recording their own story to share their personal and family history in relation to significant annual Aboriginal events