NAIDOC Week recognises First Nations’ past and bright future

A NUMBER of events have taken place to recognise 50 years of National NAIDOC Week, with this year’s theme – The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy – recognising achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

This included the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) Gala Ball last Friday night at the All Seasons Hotel, which incorporated the presentation of the NAIDOC Adult Community Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members.

A flag raising event featuring a Dja Dja Wurrung Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony was also held on Monday morning in the Bendigo Library Gardens, with longtime NAIDOC Week committee member Anne Conway OAM and City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf taking part.

Yesterday BDAC hosted a family day at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre, featuring activities for children and families including magic shows, boomerang painting, hip hop dancers and face painting.

Meanwhile, the Knuldoorong Art Exhibition 2025, showcasing a range of artworks and pieces from First Nations artists and creatives, also runs until 4pm on Sunday 13 July at Dudley House in View Street.

Cr Metcalf said NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“(It’s) also a great opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander(s), the oldest continuing cultures on the planet,” she said.

The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning – a significant protest held in Sydney to mark the 150th anniversary of the British arrival in Australia – and became a seven-day event in 1975.