
This article is written by Antero Gabellone, Year 10 student from Erindale College currently completing a work placement at Canberra Hospital Foundation. During his time here, Antero has learned about the importance of supporting patients, their families, and healthcare workers from diverse backgrounds in Canberra.
NAIDOC Week, celebrated from the first Sunday in July to the following Sunday since 1975, is a time to honour the culture, history, and significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The week is filled with various events, including cultural performances, art exhibitions, community festivals, and educational activities, all aimed at promoting understanding, respect, and reconciliation.
At the Canberra Hospital Foundation (CHF), fostering long-lasting and meaningful relationships within the community is a key goal. NAIDOC Week is a perfect time to highlight this commitment, particularly through the annual NAIDOC Week BBQ.

Image featuring Niki, Sue and Caitlin
Organised by Canberra Health Service’s Allied Health Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO) Team, the NAIDOC Week BBQ plays a crucial role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families. For the past two years, this event has raised funds to purchase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fabrics, which are used to make comfort quilts for patients in hospital. This year, the third annual NAIDOC BBQ was held on Friday, July 12.
After three years of successful fundraising, in 2024, these quilts will be handmade by CHF’s crafting group volunteers, Young at Heart Molonglo Valley. This group has been dedicated supporters of CHF, creating quilts and comfort items for CHS patients since 2021.
The BBQ has become a highly anticipated event, known for its positive impact on all participants. It truly embodies the core values of NAIDOC Week by providing a shared space where individuals from all backgrounds can unite with a common purpose.
"Hosting events within the Canberra Health Services, along side the Canberra Hospital Foundation allow us to come together, to celebrate and honour the contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal Dreaming Quilts are special quilts that have been developed to offer cultural support and comfort to patients of Canberra Health Services, who are identified to be at end of life.
Aboriginal Dreaming Quilts were conceptualised and created by a group of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women from Canberra Health Services and the ACT Community. The Canberra Hospital Foundation generously provides the funding for the Dreaming Quilts." - Caitlin, Aboriginal Liaison OfficerAs highlighted in this article, the NAIDOC Week BBQ is a significant event for the local community. It commemorates the importance of NAIDOC Week and raises funds for a culturally significant initiative led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
If you would like to learn more about the NAIDOC Week BBQ or wish to donate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led projects and initiatives, please get in touch with us at hello@chfoundation.org.au