The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, the legacy of our ancestors.

Narelle, Lead Tenancy Manager South is a proud Arrernte woman born in Alice Springs and raised in the Northern Territory. Narelle moved to Tasmania in 2019 and started working at Homes Tasmania in August that year.

“I feel extremely privileged to have been accepted by the Palawa people,” Narelle said,

Narelle is a leader in her role and is responsible for the delivery of tenancy services in southern Tasmanian and manages a large team of tenancy officers, client support officers, admin support officers and team leaders, supporting tenants who are entering social housing and to maintain their tenancy.

“NAIDOC Week is an important week for all Aboriginal people across the country, this being the 50-year anniversary makes it all the more powerful,” she said.

“My NAIDOC Week this year is even more special as I have been selected to represent Tasmania in the Over 35’s National Softball tournament being held in Sydney.”

Narelle is the granddaughter of Topsy Smith, an Arabana woman from the Oodnadatta region of South Australia who was a strong advocate for the improvements in health, education and sanitation for Aboriginal children.

Narelle is very proud of her grandmother’s story and the legacy she left.

“My grandmother lived in a shed which became known as the Bungalow in Alice Springs, a school and institution for Aboriginal children of mixed descent. She cared for children who had been removed from their families and is remembered as a selfless and inspirational woman who gave tirelessly to her community.”

Topsy’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion of First Nations women and the importance of acknowledging those whose contributions have shaped our communities. Her legacy still stands today with the Topsy Smith Hostel and the Topsy Smith House at St Philip’s College in Alice Springs named in her honour.

In recognition of the deep history and culture of Tasmanian Aboriginal communities, Homes Tasmania acknowledges their culture and their rights as the first peoples of this Land, the island of lutruwita/Tasmania. We pay our respects to our Palawa and First Nations colleagues who are part of Homes Tasmania and recognise their proud identity, culture and rights in the workplace.

NAIDOC Week is 6 – 13 July 2025. To find out more about NAIDOC week and to get involved in events in your area, visit Home page | NAIDOC