Connection to Country

Uncle Larry’s Story

At BCD, we are proud to celebrate the people who enrich our community through their knowledge, culture and lived experience. One of those special people is BCD customer Uncle Larry, a respected Aboriginal Elder. With Uncle Larry’s guidance, BCD developed the following Connection to Country Acknowledgement:

"BCD acknowledges the Dharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our head office stands and where we work closely with local communities. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We also recognise and value the contributions of non-Indigenous communities in fostering a spirit of respect and understanding".

Uncle Larry has a deep love and respect for Dharawal Country and the Macarthur area. Through conversations with our team, he shared the importance of recognising the Traditional Custodians of the land and honouring the Elders and communities who have cared for Country for generations. For Uncle Larry, connection to Country is deeply personal. He expresses his love for culture and Country through his artwork, using Aboriginal art to share stories and showcase the beauty, spirit and history of the land.

He also enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren, going for drives through the local area and sharing stories about his culture, community and life experiences. These moments are especially important to Uncle Larry. By sharing his knowledge and stories with his grandchildren and the wider community, he hopes to help keep culture strong and pass this knowledge on to the generations who come after him.

Aboriginal Elders hold an important place in our communities. They are teachers, storytellers, cultural leaders and knowledge holders. Their voices help us understand the past, strengthen our connection to the present and guide future generations.

BCD is deeply grateful to Uncle Larry for trusting us with his stories, sharing his knowledge and helping us strengthen our understanding and respect for Country. His contribution is a beautiful reminder that meaningful inclusion begins by listening, learning and valuing the voices of the people within our community.