This has been a big year and as we spring into September I can’t believe how fast it is going.  For many or us, we are still adjusting to the new normal of Zooms, Microsoft Teams and Facebook Lives!  It’s nice being able to still connect with each other. 

Over the past few weeks we’ve seen some great achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  In August Baker Boy won three awards at the National Indigenous Music Awards, including Artist of the Year!  Archie Roach continues to create great music and it would be remiss of me not to mention the amazing tribute to the Warumpi Band featuring Neil Murray, Christine Anu, Mau Power and the Malu Gubaw Kazil Choir. With the current pandemic is great knowing that our Indigenous artists are still out there, working hard and creating new music for everyone to enjoy.

Both the NRL and AFL celebrated their Indigenous Rounds during August.  Even if you are not a follower of either code it would be hard not to miss the awesome artwork that covered the players' jerseys.  Many established and emerging Indigenous artists were responsible for creating the artwork and, if you haven’t yet,  please take the time to visit both the NRL and AFL websites to find out more.

September will be another busy month for the AILC with three cohorts of accredited training currently underway and more non-accredited training on offer there will be something for everyone.

Whilst we think about how crazy 2020 has been it has also given me the opportunity to sit back and reflect and as I do, I think about the great Nelson Mandela who said  “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”.  So make sure you all shine bright.

Robyn Forester