NAIDOC 2025

The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

As we enter 2025, NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of honouring Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates both the achievements of the past and the promise of the future—led by young leaders, shaped by community vision, and grounded in ancestral legacy.

What began as a movement for rights and recognition has become a powerful national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength. As we reflect on this 50-year journey, we also look forward—guided by our Elders and committed to a future where Indigenous voices lead the way.

Determination to inspire the next generation. With every story, tradition, and act of resilience, we honour a legacy that stretches from the past into the future.

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone, but a growing movement—driven by community, inspired by vision, and carried forward by those who will shape what comes next.

Official NAIDOC Artwork. ‘Ancestral Lines’

Artist Jeremy Morgan Worrall

“Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it. 

When I think of the next generation I think towards my Ancestor Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright, all the way from my Nanna Audrie to my Mother Vanessa. 

When I look back at my mob it helps me see towards the future, it gives me hope and strength knowing what my mob have survived through and accomplished amid adversity. 

Each person in the painting depicts a series of lines akin to songlines, that represent what they know, who they were and what they have passed on, the first being that of lore (interpretive), hunting, protecting, and tracking, the second of care, weaving, fishing, and love. 

The third is when we see the two combine into one, and the last two take unfinished elements of them all, to show the passing down of knowledge and care. 

Above them is the essence of the land they live and protect/care for. It is a depiction of my home the cold skies of Tenterfield with the swirling clouds and giant moon, a place around the fire is where the next Generation find their strength, vision and legacy”.

-Jeremy Morgan Worrall (artist)

The staff, students and St Columba’s community are proud to honor and celebrate NAIDOC 2025 with another amazing NAIDOC day on Wednesday 23^rd July.

Parents and friends are warmly invited to join us for the Morning Ceremony (9am – 9:30am) and Closing Ceremony (2:20pm-2:50pm).

We also extend heartfelt thanks to all families who have supported our tireless fundraising efforts to provide our students with another amazing NAIDOC day. Our McDonald’s Family Fun Night was a huge success, and students have loved munching on zoopa doopas each Tuesday lunch time. Congratulations to all our NAIDOC raffle winners!

A big thanks to the below businesses who very generously donated to our NAIDOC raffle

• Anaconda Bennetts Green
• BCF Bennetts Green
• Dullboys Warners Bay
• Harvey Norman Bennetts Green
• Hoyts Charlestown
• Kmart Kotara
• McDonald’s Broadmeadow
• Office Works Kotara
• Office Works Warners Bay
• William’s Chemist Charlestown
• Wilson’s Chemist Adamstown

We also thank the below businesses who have donated items to be used in our NAIDOC workshops

• Bunnings Bennetts Green
• Bunnings Kotara
• Office Works Kotara
• Office Works Warners Bay

Deadly Streaming

Over the past semester, some of our senior Aboriginal students have been working with Uncle Craig Hammond as part of the ‘Deadly Streaming’ cultural mentoring course, presented through the University of Newcastle.

Uncle Craig has shared his knowledge and experiences with students to help build their cultural connections and identity as proud Aboriginal students.

Students received a certificate and specially made, Deadly Streaming shirt to commemorate this awesome course they have worked through with Uncle Craig.  

Significant Cultural Events

Sunday 6^th to Sunday 13^th July: NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

Click HERE for more information

12^th July: Anniversary of the Australian Aboriginal Flag

The Aboriginal flag was first raised on 12 July 1971 on National Aborigine’s Day (a precursor to NAIDOC week) in Victoria Square, Adelaide.

The flag become a recognisable symbol of the Aboriginal people of Australia and is flown during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week.

The Australian Aboriginal flag was officially declared a proclaimed flag of Australia on 14 July 1995, which means it holds special political and legal status.

Click HERE for more information

Danielle Shaw

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education Teacher