Each year everyone at Saltbush Evangelical Church looks forward to our annual NAIDOC week family service. As we plan for our 
service in 2025, I paused to reflect on our service in 2024. At each service we celebrate and thank God for the way He is working among the Indigenous community in Broken Hill and beyond.

Last year, one of our congregation members, David Dowden, a gifted Wajarri artist, painted two stunning pieces depicting different aspects of the gospel story which were proudly displayed during the service. One piece tells the story of Genesis 3, and the other is a
representation of John 8:12. David spoke to us about the meaning and significance of the paintings, and shared about how his own struggles with literacy have led him to use art as a medium to communicate gospel truths to those around him.

The older children at our church joined the adults for the duration of our NAIDOC service and enjoyed Brendan’s kids’ talk based on
Revelation 7:9–12. Our creche kids had fun creating some beautiful collages and animal crafts using Indigenous designs. After the
service we all enjoyed a celebratory dinner with face painting and glitter tattoos in the colours of the Aboriginal flag. Thanks to BCA’s
generous support, everyone who attended the service was given an A3 print of both of David’s paintings as a take-home gift.

Our NAIDOC Week Celebration Service continues to be a highlight of our year. Please join us in thanking God for the way He is working amongst the Wilyakali and Barkinji people, as well as the many other Indigenous people living in Broken Hill.

In 2025 NAIDOC Week runs from Sunday 7 June to Sunday 14 June, how could you or your church celebrate?