April 30 - May 6, 2025
Enlightening the North East on First Nations culture
By GRACE FREDSBERG ABORIGINAL healer and wellness facilitator Lee Couch is a staunch advocate for strengthening cultural connections across the North East region. For 15 years, she’s been at the frontline of uplifting First Nations voices. She co-ordinated the Alpine Shire’s first NAIDOC week event last year and has held a number of workshops informed by First Nations identity in the region. “After a really hurtful referendum, it was important both to me, for my own personal identification, but also my daughter’s identity and other First Nations people living within this area,” Lee said. “It is important that our culture is celebrated, to strengthen that identity.” She underscored the importance of the relationships between First Nations people and said observances such as NAIDOC week and her workshops help everyone grasp a better understanding of Aboriginal people and their culture. “No one really knows where to start in that reconciliation journey,” she said. ■ Continued Page 6
◆ HEALING JOURNEY: Lee Couch’s (left) commitment to well-being is grounded in traditional Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.
VET CORNER
GONE FISHING
YOUR HEALTH
TOOL TALK
with WARBY STREET VET
with ROBBIE
with TERESA
with DEAN
Local people, local places ...immerse yourself in the region
COMING SOON