Closing the Gap Day 2024
A celebration of unity
On Thursday 21 March 2024, over 3,000 individuals gathered on Kaurna Country at the Adelaide Showgrounds for Closing the Gap Day, an event dedicated to promoting equality and celebrating First Nations cultures.
Organised by Sonder and Nunkuwarrin Yunti, the annual event brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to take action in closing the gap in life expectancy and health outcomes.
Sageran Naidoo, Sonder Chief Executive Officer of Sonder emphasised the importance of providing access to information and services in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.
“With a holistic health focus, Closing the Gap Day aims to address various aspects contributing to inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Naidoo said.
“This year, almost 200 organisations participated in the event, showcasing products and services across a wide range of areas including health, disability, employment and education.”
Reflecting on the event, Phoenix James, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Nunkuwarrin Yunti, highlighted its uniqueness in catering to people across all stages of life.
“Attendees of all ages had access to a diverse range of relevant information and services, including free immunisations, consultations with Ngangkari traditional healers, and the opportunity to connect with early education and aged care providers,” Mr James remarked.
Relive Closing the Gap Day 2024
This year’s Closing the Gap Day opened with a Welcome to Country ceremony led by Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Elder, Uncle Moogy Sumner.
With the event program in full swing, Ngarrindjeri comedian and event MC, Kevin Kropinyeri took to the stage with First Nations artist, Pat Caruso to launch the brand-new event artwork, followed by incredible live performances by Eddie Peters, Tal-Kin-Jeri dance group, Sonia Smith and Warren Milera.
A new addition to this year’s event was the Community, Family, and Housing zone which proved popular and provided interactive engagement opportunities, while the Sports zone offered fun workshops for children and young people. The atmosphere in the marketplace was electric, featuring over 20 First Nations artists who showcased an incredible array of arts and crafts.
Closing the Gap Day 2024 was made possible through the generous support of partners and sponsors, including Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, We Create Print Deliver, Indigenous Allied Health Australia, Aboriginal Family Support Services, Adelaide PHN and AGL.
Join us next year
Looking ahead, Sonder and Nunkuwarrin Yunti remain committed to fostering further opportunities for community connection and inclusivity.
Join us for next year’s Closing the Gap Day, returning next March to Kaurna Country at the Adelaide Showgrounds.