The AMWU has again supported community celebrations in Midland for NAIDOC Week, Australia’s national week-long celebration of our First Australians.
A particular highlight was the family fun day on the Ron Jose Oval, which featured singing, dancing, stalls and food in celebration of local indigenous culture.
The record 1500 attendees also enjoyed local sand artists, traditional indigenous art and karaoke on a perfect clear and crisp winter day.
NAIDOC in Midland was a great celebration of Australian indigenous culture and a lot of fun too
Local community elder Di Ryder said the support of the AMWU made a huge positive difference to the event.
“We couldn’t survive without the amazing contribution of the union, but it’s not just about sponsorship it about the genuine energy and enthusiasm the AMWU brings,” she said.
“You are making a huge positive difference and I’d like to thank your members for helping with such an important local community event.”
The AMWU sponsored the Youth of Year Award
Our union has long suppor
ted community events in the Midland area due to our strong historic connection through the Midland Railway Workshops. While the WA Liberal Court government closed the workshops in the 1990s, many of our members still live in the local area.for young people who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Who was Ron Jose?
The Ron Jose Oval, where the event was held, was named after one of our former State Councillors.
As well as acting as shop steward at the local abbotoir for the AMWU throughout his working life, Ron was a much loved part of the local community, a life member of the Swan Districts Football Club, a keen boxer and cricket enthusiast.
He was also a former Vice President of our Retired Members Division. Ron passed away last year but we are pleased to be able to continue his legacy through our continued involvement in assisting kids in the area.