Celebrate NAIDOC Week
Acknowledgement of Country
We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and of the water on which we rely. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
We value the continuing cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our community and their ongoing connection to the land and water over many thousands of years.
We’re committed to strong, meaningful partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to achieve positive and prosperous outcomes for all.
Artwork credit:
Koki Bundjil by Wadawurrung Woman, Jenna Oldaker - Murrup Art
SOLDOUT
EVENT: NAIDOC Ball
LOCATION: The Pier, Geelong
DATE & TIME: Saturday 6 July 6pm-midnight
DESCRIPTION: NAIDOC Week is the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of the local Aboriginal community. Dinner, dancing, live band and great company – it's no wonder this event was a sell out last year.
TICKETS:
Wathaurong Member: $90
Wathaurong Community/Mob: $95
Corporate/Ally: $180
LEARN MORE: wathaurong.org.au/events/wathaurong-naidoc-ball/
Ally friendly
EVENT:
LOCATION:
EVENT: Gammin Threads Takeover: T-Shirt
Printing, Merch & More
LOCATION: Murran Hub, 143-157 Malop Street, Geelong
DATE & TIME: Saturday 6 July 10am-3pm
DESCRIPTION: Kickstart NAIDOC Week in style! You’re invited to make your staunchest tee with the one-and-only Tahnee from Gammin Threads. Everyone is welcome to this event, but numbers are limited and split into two sessions - morning and afternoon Tickets are $25, and bookings are essential.
LEARN MORE: murran.com.au/products/gammin-threads-takeover-t-shirt-printing-merch-more
Ally friendly
DATE & TIME: Every evening from 5pm Sunday, 7 July until 11pm Sunday, 14 July.
DESCRIPTION: Barwon Water is lighting up the night sky over its Ryrie Street headquarters with an animated projection of Koki Bundjil, by Wadawurrung Woman, Jenna Oldaker – Murrup Art. Koki means “brother” in Wadawurrung language and Bundjil, the majestic wedge-tailed eagle, is the creator and spirit protector who soars high above Wadawurrung Country. Animation created by Laura Alice.
Ally friendly
EVENT: Flag Raising Event
LOCATION: 62 Morgan Street, North Geelong
DATE & TIME: Monday 8 July 11am-2pm
DESCRIPTION: Wathaurong Community’s annual Flag Raising event includes a Welcome and Smoking ceremony, community day and Blak market. Barwon Water sta can hop on a bus to and from the event. Don’t forget your pocket money to spend at the market stalls.
LEARN MORE: wathaurong.org.au/events/naidoc-flag-raising-and-community-day/
EVENT: Aunties and Uncles Lunch
LOCATION: 62 Morgan St, North Geelong
DATE & TIME: Tuesday 9 July
DESCRIPTION: In celebration of NAIDOC week, Wathaurong Co-operative is hosting an Elders lunch event for the deadly Aunties and Uncles in our community! Honouring the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations Elders. Registration required.
LEARN MORE: wathaurong.org.au/events/naidoc-elders-lunch/
EVENT: Exhibition – The Fire Within
LOCATION: Deakin Waterfront Library, Geelong
DATE & TIME: Tuesday 9 July – 27 September, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
DESCRIPTION: The Fire Within showcases Embers of Connection: A Journey Through Fire, Sand and Country – a new site-specific artwork by artist Lowell Hunter (Nyul Nyul) – alongside the groundbreaking immersive digital production The Earth Above: A Deep Time View of Australia’s Epic History. Together, these complementary experiences explore cultural connection to place within both Wadawurrung Country and across Australia. Free entry.
LEARN MORE: deakin.edu.au/library/use-our-libraries/exhibitions-and-programs/exhibitions/the-fire-within
Ally friendly
Image: Indigenous Australians Ceremonial dance in Laura Quinkan Dance Festival Cape York Queensland Australia
By Rafael Ben-Ari
Youth Ball
EVENT: Flower Crowns and Tea
LOCATION: Murran Hub 143-157 Malop St, Geelong
LOCATION: Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, 1-15 Cox Rr, Norlane
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 10 July
DESCRIPTION: Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will host a Youth NAIDOC Ball for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community kids aged 12-17 years. Just like the adults’ version, it’s a chance for kids to dress up for dinner and dancing. Non–Indigenous family members are also welcome to attend. Registration required.
LEARN MORE: wathaurong.org.au/events/naidoc-youth-ball/ MOB ONLY
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 10 July 12pm-2pm
DESCRIPTION: Celebrate NAIDOC Week at this special Flower Crown Making Workshop, Tea, and Yarns event! Join us for a day of creativity, conversation, and community spirit as you immerse yourself in Indigenous culture. Registrations required. Tickets $15
LEARN MORE: murran.com.au/products/flower-crowns-tea-w-kiri-tawhai
EVENT: Kids Disco
LOCATION: Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub, 20A Forster St, Norlane
DATE & TIME: Thursday 11 July 5pm-7pm
DESCRIPTION: Wathaurong community kids are invited to come and get funky at the NAIDOC Kids’ Disco. Join us for a dance and some pizza. This event is aimed at our primary school aged kids, from 5-11 years. There will be dance contests and prizes! Registration required.
LEARN MORE: wathaurong.org.au/events/wathaurong-naidoc-kids-disco/
EVENT: Weaving with Ange Je ery
LOCATION: Murran Hub, 143-157 Malop St, Geelong
DATE & TIME: Thursday 11 July 12pm-2pm
DESCRIPTION: Discover the ancient art of traditional weaving with Ange Je ery. Everyone is welcome at this beginner's
environment. Registrations required. Tickets $20
LEARN MORE: murran.com.au/products/aboriginal-art-workshop-w-marlimarli-creative
EVENT: Sip & Paint with n the label
LOCATION: Murran Hub, 143-157 Malop St, Geelong
DATE & TIME: Saturday 13 July 12pm-2pm
DESCRIPTION: Attendees will have the opportunity to create a unique artwork guided by n the label whose specialty lies in capturing the beauty and movement of the female body and enjoy drinks and nibbles (included in the ticket price) over the session. Registrations required. Tickets $25-$35
LEARN MORE: murran.com.au/products/sip-paint-w-n-the-label
Ally friendly
EVENT: Film screening: Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land
LOCATION: Friday 19 July 7pm
DATE & TIME: Deans Marsh Community Cottage
EVENT: Blak Brews
LOCATION: Murran Hub 143-157 Malop St, Geelong
DATE & TIME: Pop-up Tuesday 9 July 9am-3pm. Q&A/Meet & Greet Tuesday 9 July 12pm-1pm
DESCRIPTION: During NAIDOC Week, Blak Brews will be adding to the festive spirit at Murran with their very own pop-up shop! Known for their delicious and unique Indigenous-inspired teas, Blak Brews will o er a range of their specialty teas for visitors to enjoy. But the excitement doesn't stop there! They're also hosting a Q&A meet and greet, where you can meet the passionate minds behind Blak Brews, learn about their journey, and discover the cultural stories infused into their delicious creations. This is a fantastic opportunity to taste some amazing beverages, support an Indigenous-owned business, and engage in enriching conversations about culture and entrepreneurship. Don't miss out on this flavourful and enlightening experience!
DESCRIPTION: A special evening featuring a screening of the award-winning Indigenous funded documentary Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land featuring the late Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, who passed away in June 2024. Please note: this film is suitable for adults only. Tickets: $20. This film is only suitable for adults.
LEARN MORE: fan-force.com/screenings/luku-ngarra-the-law-of-the-land-deans-marsh-communit y-cottage/
Ally friendly
Ally friendly
Naarm (Melbourne) Events
EVENT: NAIDOC Community March
LOCATION: Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
DATE & TIME: Friday 12 July 10am start. March starts 12pm
DESCRIPTION: Starting at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) from 10:00 am. Make your banner for the march, get the kids face painted, and enjoy the entertainment! Vic NAIDOC merchandise will be available to purchase. The march leaves from VAHS on Nicholson Street, Fitzroy at 12:00 pm. All people, councils, organisations, and businesses are welcome to come and march. Barwon Water’s First Nations Values Team, along with other water corporations are expected to support this event. The march will go past, Fig Tree on top of Gertrude Street, Pastor Sir Doug and Lady Nicholls statue, Parliament House, corner of Bourke & Swanston, corner of Flinders & Swanston Streets.
EVENT: NAIDOC in the City
LOCATION: Federation Square
DATE & TIME: Friday 12 July 3pm-6pm
DESCRIPTION: Free community event following NAIDOC March. Live performances by Briggs, Alice Skye, Kutcha Edwards, The Deans of Soul, Culture Evolves and more. Koorie Heritage Trust Market stalls, free face painting and arts and crafts, Koorie Academy Basketball, sausage sizzle, food trucks and free giveaways. Everyone welcome.
Ally friendly
Ally friendly
How will you keep the fire burning?
Many sta have written their personal commitment to "keep the fire burning" on a gum leaf at one of our recent All Sta events. These beautiful gum leaves will be combined to create an amazing collaborative artwork that will be unveiled very soon. If you didn’t get the chance to write on your own gum leaf, you can still do so at one of the gum leaf stations at Ryrie HQ, Kadak, and Colac throughout NAIDOC Week.
This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced.
Blak, Loud and Proud is an unapologetic CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, identity and Knowledge.
It is about the amplification of First Nations voices nationwide, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
It also invites us all to listen, learn, and engage in yarns, where we can truly value Culture.
