Speaking with NITV Radio, Grant said Christmas at NCIE is about making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families feel supported and celebrated, particularly during a time of year that can be difficult for many.
"Christmas is a really important time for us at NCIE because it’s about connection, care and making sure our community feels supported and celebrated." Grant said.
The NCIE Christmas Party is one of several initiatives delivered in the lead-up to the holidays, alongside the NCIE Toy Drive and a Christmas dinner for children and families involved in the Young, Fit and Deadly program.
“All of these activations are about creating safe and welcoming spaces where mob can come together, share a meal, have a yarn, have a laugh, and feel that sense of belonging,” Grant said.
We know this time of year can be really tough for some families, so it’s important we come together.
The NCIE Toy Drive, which ran from 1 to 19 December, brought together individuals, families, schools, businesses and organisations, with hundreds of new toys donated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families across Redfern.
“The Toy Drive has honestly been one of the highlights of the year for us,” Grant said. “The generosity from our community partners and our supporters has been overwhelming. There are so many gifts for our beautiful jarjums and community”.
He said the impact of the Toy Drive is significant, particularly for families doing it tough.
“It can be such a tough time of year and that pressure on families to give their kids a lovely Christmas to ensure that they have gifts. We know that we can really help our families and community really achieve that and make sure the kids won't go without and they wake up with a smile and unwrap all the presents as they should.”
Grant said it’s also powerful for families to see just how much wider community support exists.
“I think it’s really important for families to know there’s a huge amount of support out there,” he said. “Sometimes the community can feel like not everyone is with us or supporting us, so seeing that support firsthand is huge and starts to create a new narrative for our community.”
Earlier this week, NCIE also hosted a Christmas dinner for Young, Fit and Deadly children and families, an initiative Grant says sits at the heart of the organisation’s purpose.
“That’s why NCIE exists,” he said. “We’re here to serve the community. NCIE is a healing place where mob can come, and they feel culturally safe here. It’s crucial we create that space for our mob.”
The celebrations continue with the NCIE Christmas Party on Friday 19 December, a free family-friendly event featuring a DJ, OzTag games, swimming, food and an outdoor movie screening of The Grinch. There is something for everyone.
“It’s all about celebrating together and enjoying the festive season.” Grant said. “We’re creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere where mob can come, hang around for hours and enjoy.”
Grant said collective care and community-led support are especially important during challenging times.
“Offering a space where mob can share their feelings, feel connected and have a yarn.” he said. “We have to make sure mob feel safe here but also a place they can come and heal if they are feeling no good.”
Looking ahead to the new year, Grant said NCIE remains committed to strengthening culture, wellbeing and pride for future generations.
What really drive us is the impact our programs have on our mob. We're changing the narrative in terms of health outcomes, we are nurturing our kids and we are mentoring our kids to change that narrative.” he said. “They are feeling self-determined, and they are feeling that sense of pride in their culture and that's why NCIE was built and that’s why we exist. The work we do is having an impact on community.
He ended with a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who supported NCIE’s Christmas initiatives.
“Just a massive thank you,” Grant said. “Your generosity has been overwhelming. Please know what you gave to the Toy Drive will make such an impact in the community with the families we work with and the children. You will change Christmas for many families this year.”
