Janine Sala volunteers at Australia’s premier Indigenous cultural exchange event

From July 23 to August 4, Janine Sala, Manager of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, along with three other University professional staff members, were based in Northeast Arnhem land as part of a volunteer cohort to support the Garma Festival. A Yothu Yindi Foundation event, the Garma Festival is cultural festival as well as a platform for cultural immersion, education, debate, exchange, and action.

Amanda Currie, Ellen Hewitt, Kellie Henderson-Giles and Janine Sala pose together at the Garma Festival. The background is bushland with a partial view to a shrub-like plain below.(L-R) Garma Festival volunteers Amanda Currie, Manager, Protocol Vice-Chancellor's Office, Ellen Hewitt, Project Manager, Office of the Vice-President (Advancement), Kellie Henderson-Giles, Undergraduate Admissions Manager, Student and Scholarly Services, and Janine Sala, Manager, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The University is a key sponsor of the Garma Festival, primarily the Key Forum Program, and management of the auditorium space. This staff development opportunity offers an unparalleled two-way immersive cultural experience, learning from the Yolngu clan, one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

This year, staff were privileged to bear witness to the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s address promising a Referendum to be held within this term of Government, on a Voice to Parliament for First Nations People. It was a powerful display of hope, humility, and opportunity.