Despite the rain, we had a good turn out for the inaugural Minto Gardens NAIDOC week morning tea/devotion and art exhibition launch.

It was a privilege to welcome Aunty Verna and the Rev Michael Duckett, together with Susan and her four beautiful children, Toni, Ebony, William and Allana, who all contributed to the pretty awesome Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! art exhibition, together with several Minto Gardens residents and staff.

Michael highlighted the bravery of several First Nations people, including William Cooper who despite the lack of rights he held as an Aboriginal man in Australia, was one of the first people to protest the treatment of European Jews in Nazi Germany, walking from his home in Footscray to the German consulate in South Melbourne to do so*. He also reminded us of the hope we have in the Lord Jesus, who gives us worth and value and renews our strength like the eagle that soars on the wind thermal so we can get up, stand up, show up! When it matters.

*You can read about William Cooper here:  https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/william-cooper