For Our Elders – Embracing Culture & Art

During this special time of NAIDOC Week, we recognise and honour the rich culture, history, and achievements of our First Nations people. The theme for this year, “For Our Elders”, pays homage to the wisdom, guidance, and extraordinary contributions of our Indigenous Elders. It’s a chance for us to express our heartfelt gratitude and profound respect for their enduring legacy.

We kicked off NAIDOC week celebrations in our Meeanjin (Brisbane) office by immersing ourselves in captivating cultural activities and meaningful experiences. Grant Marshall, Paynters Indigenous Engagement Manager graciously shared his cultural heritage and shed light on the profound history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Grant’s passionate storytelling immersed us in this year’s theme, recounting powerful stories from Indigenous Elders that highlighted the importance of recognising their legacy and the significant impact they have on our communities.  The team were also treated to a bush tukka morning tea, provided by the wonderful mob at FigJam & Co, indulging in Kangaroo Sausage Rollettes to Bush Jam Drops with Lemon Myrtle Cream.

Furthermore, we had the incredible privilege of delving into the world of Aboriginal Art, as Grant shared the personal story behind his own painting created for Paynters. A handful of our team were guided through a knowledge-filled and creative session, where Grant empowered each team member to use traditional symbols and techniques, to create their own meaningful story.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Grant for generously taking the time to deepen our understanding of his culture amongst our team.