R U OK Day has taken on special significance for Ballarat's Indigenous community this year.
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With a referendum on the Voice to Parliament being held on October 14, Indigenous issues have come to the fore.
![April Burgoyne and Korriene Lennecke mark R U OK Day.at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative. Picture by Alex Dalziel. April Burgoyne and Korriene Lennecke mark R U OK Day.at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative. Picture by Alex Dalziel.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/177877894/de7af2dc-531d-4c11-938b-8d045950ec27.jpg/r0_0_5568_3712_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
More than 50 members of Ballarat's indigenous community - and their supporters - celebrated R U OK Day on Thursday with inspiring speakers, a morning tea - and most importantly, meaningful conversations.
"R U OK Day is a time when all Australians come together at community events across the country to share this important message," April Burgoyne from the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative said.
"The theme of Stronger Together is a part of the campaign this year.
"We want people to: Ask your mob, in your way, are you ok?"
![Marking R U Ok Day at BADAC. (Back) Aunty Vicki Peart, April Burgoyne, Korriene Lennecke and Lisa Jakiel. (Front) Katrina Hetherington and Jo-Anne Morrow. Picture by Alex Dalziel. Marking R U Ok Day at BADAC. (Back) Aunty Vicki Peart, April Burgoyne, Korriene Lennecke and Lisa Jakiel. (Front) Katrina Hetherington and Jo-Anne Morrow. Picture by Alex Dalziel.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/177877894/7d6fd11b-7980-497b-802a-48eb2f2dae61.jpg/r0_285_5568_3712_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"The purpose of hosting this event was to raise awareness locally, create conversations and provide information to the community about BADAC's services."
The event was hosted by the co-op's Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team.
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