Cultural events

Cultural events

Attending community and cultural gatherings is an essential way to celebrate identity, connect with mob, and honour traditions. At OdysseyCare, we believe every First Nations participant should have the opportunity to take part in cultural celebrations safely and comfortably.

Our Geelong and Melbourne teams provide dedicated, culturally safe support to help you attend and enjoy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events. Whether it is NAIDOC Week celebrations, local corroborees, festivals, or community days, we ensure you have the practical backing to participate with pride.

Shared pride and celebration through cultural gatherings

Big community gatherings can be vibrant and uplifting, but navigating crowds, noise, and unfamiliar spaces can sometimes feel daunting. Our First Nations support workers and culturally trained team walk alongside you every step of the way.

Our cultural event support is built to adapt, and they strongly encourage:

  • Celebrating cultural pride and heritage in safe, inclusive environments.
  • Connecting with Elders, family, and the wider Aboriginal community.
  • Experiencing traditional music, dance performances, and storytelling.
  • Building social confidence in public and festival settings.
  • Providing culturally responsive support tailored to sensory and mobility needs.
  • Strengthening a profound sense of belonging and cultural identity.

Supports we offer

We shape our event support around the cultural celebrations you want to experience.

Significant cultural celebrations

Being present for the big moments on the community calendar.

  • Supported participation during NAIDOC Week marches, community days, and awards.
  • Attendance at Survival Day / Yabun-style gatherings and reconciliation events.
  • Visiting local art exhibitions, cultural markets, and musical showcases.
  • Assistance with event travel, accessible routes, and parking.

Community days & gathering spaces

Staying connected with local mob throughout the year.

  • Supporting trips to gatherings hosted by local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
  • Attending smoking ceremonies, welcome events, and community barbecues.
  • Support interacting with stallholders, community services, and performers.
  • Setting up quiet break zones and exit plans whenever you need a breather.

Why choose OdysseyCare

OdysseyCare wasn't born in a boardroom. Leah, our founder, is a mum to four kids—one of whom is an NDIS participant. She built this company from lived experience to ensure families receive genuine, respectful support. Our Aboriginal-led programs ensure First Nations participants receive culturally safe care that honours family, Country, and Kinship.

Families and participants stick with us because:

  • Events are supported through an Aboriginal-led, community-first lens.
  • We don't just talk about trauma-informed practice. It's baked in.
  • We carefully match support workers who understand and respect community culture.
  • We plan ahead for accessibility, sensory overload, and quiet spaces.
  • Consistent, reliable coverage across Geelong and Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Our support workers can accompany you to major community festivals and events, assisting with transport, crowds, and any personal care or sensory needs throughout the day.

You are always in control. Our team plans ahead with quiet zones and low-sensory options, and we are always ready to take a break or leave early if that is what makes you comfortable.

Absolutely. Cultural events are best shared with mob and family. Our support worker is there to assist with your specific support needs so your family can relax and enjoy the celebration together.

NDIS funded support

Wondering about funding? These supports usually tap into your NDIS budget depending on your goals.

Typically, these programs fall under:

  • Core Supports: Assistance with social, economic and community participation.
  • Capacity Building: Increased Social and Community Participation.

If looking at your plan gives you a headache, don't stress. The team can sort out the service agreements and show you exactly how to make your funding work for your cultural participation goals.

Important information

Getting things right from day one is crucial.

  • Talk to us. Let us know what events you are interested in and any mobility or sensory requirements you have beforehand.
  • We need the standard onboarding paperwork signed off.
  • Nobody gets a generic plan. We build a clear day plan for every event so you know exactly what to expect.

Getting started today

We are always keen to hear from participants, families, carers, or Support Coordinators. Want to attend upcoming cultural events with reliable support? Give the friendly team a call today to ask a few questions or register your interest.