The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
Every year NAIDOC Week celebrations are held on the first week of July (Sunday to Sunday), a week that is dedicated to honouring and celebrating the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
“The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” – National NAIDOC Committee
This year marks a major milestone: 50 years of celebrating Indigenous culture and resilience. The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” focuses not only on past achievements but on the bright future ahead, as NAIDOC continues to be a movement grounded in community-led vision and integrity.
This NAIDOC Week, 6-13 July, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) encourages partners, friends and colleagues to support and get to know local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through the many events happening across the south east of Melbourne.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE REGION
City of Stonnington Flag Raising Ceremony – Malvern
Join the City of Stonnington for a special event to commemorate NAIDOC Week with a Flag Raising Ceremony and heartfelt musical performance by Yuggera & Ugarapul/Le man, John Wayne Parsons.
Thursday, 3 July, 11.00am-12.00pm
Yarn with Red Dust – Online
Come and yarn with Red Dust as they celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025. Free, 60-minute yarn will be a panel discussion about the theme of NAIDOC Week 2025 – The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Discussion invites all to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue about reclaiming narratives, amplifying voices and committing to justice and equality for all.
Friday 4 July, 12.00-1.30pm
Morington Peninsula Shire NAIDOC Week events – Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Shire is excited to invite everyone to join in a week full of events, creativity and connection. Check out their website above for a list of their events and activities – there is something for everyone.
City of Port Phillip NAIDOC Week events – St Kilda and surrounding areas
The City of Port Phillip, in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, warmly invites you in marking the beginning of NAIDOC Week 2025 with a Flag Raising Ceremony on the front lawn of St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda – no registration required
Monday, 7 July 2025, 11.00am-12.00pm
Check out their website above for a list of events and activities happening during NAIDOC Week.
‘Our Warrior’ screening + Q&A with director and Uncle Charles Pakana – South Melbourne
‘Our Warrior’ screening + Q&A with director and Uncle Charles Pakana Krautungalung Elder and political activist Robbie Thorpe stands as part of a long line of Indigenous resistance to invasion. This powerful documentary shows the making of this modern leader and tracks the resurgence of a powerful Indigenous, anti-colonial movement currently reshaping the country. Q&A with director Anthony Kelly and editor and journalist Uncle Charles Pakana after the screening.
Tuesday, 8 July, 6.00-7.30pm
Indiginous Disaster Resilience Research Webinar – Online
AIDR welcomes the Australian Journal of Emergency Management (AJEM) guest editors, Dr Bhiamie Williamson and Lucy Kaiser, to co-host the Indigenous disaster resilience research webinar which will feature presenters from the Indigenous edition of the journal.
The April 2025 Indigenous edition of AJEM has exclusively published research articles by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori authors which focus on practices and knowledge from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. They foster an Indigenous-led and decolonial discourse in disaster resilience and emergency management, explore and enhance understanding of Indigenous perspectives, and highlight Indigenous leadership and excellence in disaster resilience and emergency response.
Wednesday, 9 July, 1.00-2.30pm
Empowering First Nations Trainees and Apprentices – Online
Join Ai Group webinar as they celebrate NAIDOC week with a panel of industry leaders who have hands-on experience in recruiting, training, and creating employment pathways for First Nations trainees and apprentices. For anyone interested in practical insights from industry peers who are experienced in recruitment, training and support for First Nations trainees and apprentices. Whether you’re looking to enhance your understanding or developing your own strategies, this webinar will provide insights.
Wednesday, 9 July, 11.00am-12.00pm
Holiday Mania: An afternoon with Boori (Monty) Pryor – Carnegie
Celebrate NAIDOC Week and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon with award-winning children’s author, didjeridoo player, storyteller and dancer, Boori Monty Pryor. Boori’s father was from the Birrigubba people of the Bowen region, and his mother is from Yarrabah (near Cairns), a descendant of the Kungganji. Sharing funny tales from his life, alongside stories from The Dreaming, Boori combines traditional elements of performance with contemporary stories to help children better understand First Nations histories and culture. Don’t miss this incredible afternoon of dance, music, language, and storytelling!
Wednesday, 9 July, 2.00-3.00pm
Exhibition: Strength, Resilience, Connection – Highett
Bayley Arts is proud to present the paintings of Leslie J Stanley, a Wuli Wuli elder and artist from Central West Queensland and Chrissyray Weetra, a young emerging artist of the Warumungu and Arrente tribes. Together, their work weaves tradition with vibrant contemporary expression. Les and Chrissyray form a bridge of time and experience highlighting their strength and resilience that comes from looking forward while staying connected to their land and culture.
To be opened by Judith Jackson (Aunty Jacko).
Welcome to Country by traditional owner, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Wednesday 9 July, 6.00-8.00pm.
Our Culture in Glass Exhibition – Prahran
Our Culture in Glass is an exhibition of Glass Artwork by participants of the Glaas Inc First Nations Workshop Program and First Nations glass students and graduates of Melbourne Polytechnic.
Thursday, 10 July, 6.30-8.00pm
Workshop: Painting with Chrissyray Weetra – Highett
Join artist Chrissyray Weetra in this special NAIDOC workshop designed to bring people together in the spirit of the NAIDOC 2025 celebrations.
Participants will learn about traditional painting techniques using Chrissyray’s vibrant colour palette while learning about the meaning of cultural symbols. You can then apply your own designs on rocks and Eucalyptus leaves to take home. Every piece will be your own tribute to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while celebrating connection in the community. Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Saturday, 12 July, 1.30-3.30pm
Women’s Health in the South East acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waterways and skies where we work, live and play.
We celebrate that this is the oldest continuous living culture in the world, and that sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
