Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Sparking Conversations, Driving Change

What is NAIDOC Week and Why It Matters

Each year, NAIDOC Week sparks conversations across Australia, conversations that go beyond celebration and lean into reflection, action, and allyship. This week is dedicated to recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In 2025, the theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud” called on all Australians to amplify First Nations voices, both inside and outside the workplace. For businesses like ours at Cameron Facilities, it’s a timely reminder of the role we play in shaping a culturally inclusive future across commercial properties, mining camps, and beyond.

NAIDOC Week Sparks Conversations That Matter

This year’s LinkedIn News coverage highlighted how NAIDOC Week is more than just a symbolic calendar event; it’s a platform where authentic allyship takes the spotlight.

 Aunty Munya Andrews: True Allyship Starts with Action

Legal scholar and educator Aunty Munya Andrews urged non-Indigenous professionals to move beyond passive gestures. Her post reminded us all that allyship means sharing the emotional and organisational load, not assuming First Nations staff will carry the full cultural burden during these commemorations.

Lakeisha Hull: Building a Legacy in Sport

Lakeisha Hull, the newly appointed First Nations Manager for NSW Rugby Union, spoke about building long-term cultural connections in sport, a space that can influence generational change. Her appointment shows how representation in leadership drives vision and legacy.

These are just two examples of how NAIDOC Week sparks conversations that go far deeper than hashtags. They highlight where business and community intersect, and what true partnership looks like.

Our Personal Experience During NAIDOC Week 2025

At Cameron Facilities, we’ve always believed in supporting Indigenous communities as a core part of our business. From our mining and remote camp services to urban facility management across Perth, we regularly work with and alongside First Nations peoples.

What We Did This Year

• We hosted a free online NAIDOC awareness session for our staff and contractor teams.
• Participated in local community events in Perth, including the Kings Park Sunrise Ceremony.
• Partnered with a First Nations-owned catering company to deliver themed meals across several of our FIFO camps.

It’s easy to overlook the impact of small efforts, but conversations held over shared meals or team briefings often spark deeper thought and long-term shifts in understanding.

As a managing director, I saw firsthand how this week gave our team a renewed sense of purpose. Our employees started asking deeper questions and genuinely wanted to understand how we could do more, not just this week, but every week.

Practical Ways Businesses Can Engage Beyond the Week

It’s easy to post a graphic or change your logo colours. But what matters is long-term action. Here’s how your organisation can follow through:

1. Partner with First Nations Vendors

Working with Indigenous-owned companies is a powerful way to close opportunity gaps. From cleaning supplies to camp catering, many procurement opportunities benefit community economies.

Explore our Remote Camp Catering Services to see how partnerships are reshaping food services in the regions.

2. Review Internal Policies for Cultural Inclusion

NAIDOC Week sparks conversations, but workplace systems need to follow through. Start with:

• Cultural leave entitlements
• Welcome to Country protocols
• Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments

3. Invest in Cultural Competency Training

Bring in First Nations educators to host workshops or regular talks. These engagements provide insight and help dismantle unconscious bias.

Tip: We recommend Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework as a starting point.

NAIDOC Week and the Facility Management Industry

In industries such as property services, mining, and cleaning, where a significant portion of operational work is conducted on the ground, representation and respect are more important than ever. These sectors have a direct impact on communities and the land, which must be handled with both cultural sensitivity and compliance.

Why It Matters to Us

• Mining sites often sit on or near traditional lands. Having a First Nations perspective on land care and food service is crucial.
• Building management in urban areas intersects with local Indigenous history and art, particularly in high-profile cultural precincts.
• Security and concierge roles benefit from cultural awareness when serving diverse public tenants or guests.

That’s why at Cameron Facilities, we embed cultural awareness across our service arms, from FIFO camp maintenance to commercial concierge support.

Learn more about how we manage building management services with a focus on people and place.

Keep the Fire Burning

As this year’s NAIDOC theme says, “Keep the Fire Burning,” we believe that includes every business, every leader, and every worksite across the country.

When NAIDOC Week sparks conversations, the goal isn’t just dialogue; it’s transformation. It’s changing policies, creating jobs, building partnerships, and shaping environments that reflect the true stories of this land.

From metro Perth to remote mining regions, Cameron Facilities is committed to walking the path of reconciliation every day of the year, not just during NAIDOC.

Want to Start a Conversation at Your Site?

We offer free site visits, online consultations, and personalised service planning. Let’s discuss how we can incorporate cultural awareness into your facilities, whether you’re managing a high-rise in the city or a remote workforce hub.