ADNSW celebrates R U OK Day
September 2021
On 9th September, ADNSW celebrated R U OK Day. At a time when many are feeling isolated and there is a significant disruption to our lifestyles, the theme this year was “Are they really OK? Ask them today.”
We were privileged to hear from Susan Laguna, CEO of Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association and from David West, a Counsellor with Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation. Susan and David spend each and every day in the frontline caring for their communities and asking ‘R U OK?’
Susan spoke about the main issues for MDAA’s community members during this pandemic including of isolation, digital exclusion, poverty and rights and discrimination. She also spoke about practical things her organisation was doing to support their community members.
David spoke about checking in with our ‘brothers and sisters’ and asking if they are sure they are ok. He gave a powerful statement on maintaining relationships which resonated with the team. “We weren’t born to survive alone. We were created to have relationships not only person to person, but also in nature itself. Because nature tells us when things are going wrong.”
After their talks, Susan and David joined ADNSW Board and staff for a fun quiz on the four conversation steps: https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask.
A big thanks to our colleagues Narelle and Morlai for organising this great event!
Last updated:
20 Jun 2024
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal people as the original custodians of this land.