Held over a week in July each year, this year’s NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) marks 50 years of celebrating the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
The Albanese Labor Government has provided up to $3 million to support local communities and organisations across Australia to celebrate the milestone National NAIDOC Week.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said: “National NAIDOC Week continues to be Australia’s largest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and this year we celebrate a milestone 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience, through a week of activities.
“The National NAIDOC Committee’s selection of this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, highlights the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Steven Satour said: “This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone but a movement that endures, grows, and evolves – driven by the unwavering strength of our communities, the shared vision of our people, and the enduring legacy we pass on to those who will shape our future.
“Together, we walk forward, honouring where we’ve come from and looking boldly to the next generation who will carry NAIDOC and their communities into the future.”
People will be celebrating NAIDOC Week all over Australia with Indigenous events. Here are just some of the events on offer across the country.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Ayers Rock Resort
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has a vibrant program of events at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru.
From 6-13 July, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a week-long celebration honouring the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Aṉangu of Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara Country – the Traditional Owners of the land on which Ayers Rock Resort operates.
Ayers Rock Resort’s NAIDOC Week program serves as a powerful precursor to the 40th anniversary of the historic handback of the title deeds of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Aṉangu, to be commemorated on 25 and 26 October 2025 – a landmark moment in the journey of cultural recognition and land rights.
https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/naidoc-week
Kakadu
Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge is inviting visitors to celebrate the region’s deep Aboriginal heritage by getting involved in a rich menu of bush tucker, live music and free cultural kids events from 5-12 July.
With Kakadu’s Indigenous heritage dating back over 65,000 years, local Aboriginal communities within the Park have designed a program of events to share their culture with visitors.
Cooinda Lodge is located in Murumburr Country, adjacent to Yellow Water Billabong (where visitors can take guided cruises to see the exotic wildlife), and within easy driving distance of Kakadu’s most famous attractions, including the Nourlangie rock art galleries and the Gunlom and Maguk waterfalls and swimming holes.
https://kakadutourism.com/specials/naidoc-a-week-of-celebrations
Cairns
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through colours, designs and art forms. From paintings to pottery and dance to song – the fair offers an ethical art marketplace, attracting national and international collectors and curators.
https://ciaf.com.au/cairns-indigenous-art-fair-ciaf
