Documentary gives Elders voice for years to come
The stories of three South Australian Elders will feature in a documentary to keep their voices alive for generations to come as more First Nations people age into their 50s than ever before.
‘There I Was, Here I Am’ was launched at a gathering of more than 300 Elders, and their carers, from across South Australia at a special event in Adelaide today.
Developed by Aboriginal Community Services (ACS) and funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the aim of the heartwarming documentary is to evolve into a digital-record keeping project to preserve the stories of South Australian Elders through oral storytelling.
Featured in the 25-minute documentary are Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Basil (Mulla) Sumner, Kaurna-Narungga Elder Aunty Frances Chantrill and Ngarrindjeri-Narungga Elder Uncle Craig Dodd (more details below). The Elders have dedicated their lives to supporting community and advocating for First Nations People.
ACS CEO Graham Aitken said the documentary, which took inspiration from this month’s NAIDOC Week theme — Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, celebrated the impactful lives of First Nations Elders in South Australia.
“As an aged care provider to more than 800 First Nations Elders in South Australia, we have unique access to stories of achievements, and truth-telling about our history,” said Mr Aitken.
“We hope this important documentary is the first of a series recounting the lives of Elders to highlight the importance of 'keeping the fire burning' for generations to come and to celebrate our Elders who continue being ‘Blak, loud and proud’ as they age,” he said.
The First Nations population is ageing, with more than 174,000 Elders currently aged 50 or more - among them are the youngest survivors of the Stolen Generation. By 2031, one in five First Nations Australians will be aged 50 or more and eligible to access aged care support.
ACS is the only state-wide aged care service provider to Aboriginal people in South Australia and cares for Elders across metropolitan, regional and remote parts of the state.
‘There I Was, Here I Am’ was screened for the first time at the annual lunch for Elders and their carers hosted by ACS to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
“Our annual event brings Elders from far and wide together, so they can gather as one community and share stories,” said Mr Aitken.
“It’s one way we connect Elders to culture and community to keep the fire burning and the perfect event at which to launch this documentary,” he said.
Recent News
- Hutt St Centre sees record annual demand as it marks World Homeless Day
- Guide Dogs Names Top South Australian Accessibility Advocates
- Pride advice acquisitions lead to growth
- Giving back brings rewards for talented international student of the year
- Blog: When did you last check your company’s digital health?
- National Pharmacies welcomes expanding scope of practice for pharmacists in SA
- Whooping Cough spike in SA sparks urgent push for adult vaccination
- The Detmold Group recognised as an Employer of Choice
- VAILO Wins Two Australian Good Design Awards 2024
- China Southern Airlines returns to Adelaide
- Fleet Complete launches AI powered dash camera to the Australian market
- Groundbreaking disability housing project opens in Tea Tree Gully
- VAILO lights up the Tolmer Speedway
- Adelaide Airport security screening upgrade underway
- Adelaide Airport launches significant freight and logistics upgrade
- West Beach Parks partners with Discovery Parks to grow holiday park visitation
- Detpak launches largest Australian compostable PBS range to cut plastic use
- SA-first campaign asks community to reflect on their behaviour towards City of West Torrens employees
- CH4 Global Named “AgTech Sustainability Solution of the Year” in 2024 AgTech Breakthrough Awards
- Walk a Mile in My Boots this Homelessness Week