* 8 July 2025 *

Marking the 50th Anniversary of NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week), residents and guests at Vasey RSL Care Cheltenham Ex-Service Accommodation (ESA) celebrated the day with a ceremony.

Australia’s Indigenous peoples are the oldest continuous living cultures on Earth – a truth we at Vasey RSL Care proudly acknowledge and celebrate.

To mark NAIDOC Week in July, our Cheltenham Ex-Service Accommodation (ESA) community hosted a flag-raising ceremony: the Australian Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag and Australian National flag now stand proudly and permanently inside our community hall – a lasting tribute to Australia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Cheltenham resident Mark gave a powerful speech on the importance of Indigenous culture within the veteran community, reminding us all of the value of truth-telling, connection, and shared history.

We were honoured to be joined by several distinguished guests including Mark Dreyfus MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, Meng Heang Tak MP, State Member for Clarinda, Janice Furstenberg, President, VAJEX Australia (Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen & Women Australia), Ned Moyle, President Mentone RSL, Claire Faulkingham, General Manager Mentone RSL and Mike O’Meara OAM, Board Chair, Vasey RSL Care .

NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect, celebrate, and elevate First Nations voices – and a reminder that acknowledging our Indigenous heritage matters every day.

Pictured right: residents Mark and Alan with Executive General Manager Chris Gray raising the three flags.

Belo ; Board Chair Mike O’Meara OAM , Mark, and Janna Voloshin, CEO.