Dancers at Manngoor Dja's Closing the Gap Day event. Image: QAIHC
Manngoor Dja proudly hosted two community-focused Close the Gap Day celebrations on the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie, bringing communities together to raise awareness for health equality.
The Sunshine Coast event, held at the Nambour Crushers Club, was a fun filled gathering with activities, stalls, food, and entertainment. Community members came together in strong numbers to support the cause and enjoy the day.
A few hours later, Manngoor Dja continued the momentum in Gympie at the Gympie and District Indoor Bowls Centre, where it hosted a Close the Gap Day celebration, as well as officially launching the Mob Pod mobile health van.
Held annually on the third Thursday in March, the National Close the Gap Day is an opportunity for schools, businesses, and communities across Australia to show their support for health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Both events opened with moving Welcome to Country ceremonies.
At the Sunshine Coast event, Aunty Judith Shea, a proud Pijakali, Nyangumarta, and Kartujarra woman, invited local Elders to introduce themselves, highlighting their vital role as leaders and resources within the community.
The Gympie event showcased Manngoor Dja’s Deadly Choices, Strong Born, and Tackling Indigenous Smoking programs, alongside displays from the Queensland Ambulance Service encouraging Indigenous school leavers to explore healthcare careers.
Aunty Debra Bennet, a proud Goorie woman and direct descendant of the Kullali, Wakka Wakka, and Gubbi Gubbi Peoples, spoke about the role of education and youth empowerment in Closing the Gap.
Both events featured healthy, homemade burgers and a dynamic musical performance by young artist King Fisher – Kingston.
Paul Penumala, Manngoor Dja’s General Manager of Strategy and Service Development, highlighted that both events were valuable opportunities for the community to come together, support Close the Gap, and learn about the services available to them.
“At the end of the day, Close the Gap Day is all about supporting our communities,” Mr. Penumala said.
“North Coast is here to support the community, and Close the Gap Day is a reminder of how important it is to show up for each other.”
