Celebrating The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

In the spirit of unity, culture, and respect, ATEC proudly hosted a special morning tea at our Ottoway campus last week to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as leaders, change-makers, and custodians of the future. Staff, apprentices, and guests gathered together in reflection and recognition of the vital role that First Nations peoples play in shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for all Australians.

The event opened with a moving Welcome to Country delivered by Jack Buckskin of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services, who grounded the gathering in the stories, language, and traditions of the Kaurna people, the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains. Jack’s words highlighted the enduring strength of First Nations cultures and encouraged us all to reflect on our shared responsibility to learn from and walk respectfully alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

As part of ATEC’s ongoing commitment to cultural inclusion and recognition, we were proud to unveil a newly commissioned artwork by Kelly Carbine, a proud Wirnagu woman. Created especially for NAIDOC Week, this stunning piece represents the journey of young people from all directions—North, South, East, and West—coming together at ATEC to grow, learn, and forge their own paths. 

At the centre of the artwork lies a symbolic meeting place, representing ATEC as a space of knowledge, safety, connection, and opportunity. Flowing from this centre are four winding pathways—each one representing a learner’s personal and professional journey, full of growth, determination, and resilience. The artwork now stands proudly at our Ottoway campus as a lasting symbol of our support for all learners, especially those from First Nations backgrounds.

Following the ceremony and unveiling, attendees enjoyed a catered morning tea provided by Xpress Catering at Pat’s Café, creating a welcoming space for conversation, connection, and reflection.

Beyond the celebration of NAIDOC Week itself, ATEC remains deeply committed to providing real, practical pathways for First Nations peoples to succeed in the trades. We currently offer fee-free training courses in construction and welding, tailored specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in developing job-ready skills and building sustainable careers in high-demand industries.

If someone you know is interested in learning more about these opportunities, we invite you to contact Damien Pawson at damienp@atec.asn.au or by calling 1300 112 832.

At ATEC, we’re proud to celebrate, respect, and elevate First Nations voices—not just during NAIDOC Week, but every day. By listening, learning, and supporting the next generation, we’re helping to build a future grounded in strength, vision, and legacy.