This NAIDOC Week, 6 to 13 July 2025, we recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to our shared history, culture, and identity. 

This year’s theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past, the strength of emerging young leaders, the vision for communities, and the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Earlier this year local Aboriginal communities came together for the Walkabout Barber and Beauty Bus visits to Bega, Narooma, Mogo, Nowra and Wollongong, which included workshops with proud Gamilaraay man Brian Dowd, a qualified therapist in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery. 

Brian said, "It's about giving people the opportunity to tell someone how they feel. And it’s about not speaking over people or speaking for people but actually listening to what people are saying. 

"My purpose on the tour was to sit down with everyday Australians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal it doesn't matter. To sit down with people going through tough times and share my journey and tools that I've picked up, to give hope and save lives. For me it is not only getting my journey on the right path but helping other people to get theirs on the right path." 

More than 550 people met with the Walkabout Barber team over the four-day tour accessing barber and beauty services and safe spaces for conversations. More than 140 community members provided their feedback about the service, with all participants satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience. One community member said it was an unreal experience and “great to see people in our culture doing what they love and giving back to the community.” 

Almost 20 local service providers participated along with many local elders. Stride Mental Health said: “despite the weather challenges, the energy, connection, and purpose of the day truly shone through. It was inspiring to witness the impact and the power of culturally safe spaces for yarning, healing, and community support.” 

COORDINARE's Aboriginal Health Consultant Taneka Longbottom said, “COORDINARE works to improve health care accessibility and outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

“We want to ensure our mob feel empowered, with greater awareness of local support services and strategies for self-care and social and emotional wellbeing. Receiving a fresh haircut, beard trim, mini manicure or eyebrow wax with the Walkabout Team was a great way to encourage yarning about personal challenges. It is just one example of some of the activities we support. 

Ms Longbottom added, "A key priority of our strategic vision is to identify gaps, barriers, strengths, and opportunities for improvement in the delivery of primary health care to local Aboriginal communities, that is culturally safe and accessible. For example, we've been working to equip and support general practices to be a safe place that is culturally aware for Aboriginal people as well as other groups,” she said.  

Join us in commemorating NAIDOC Week by participating in events, discussions, and activities that promote understanding, respect, and unity. Together let's keep walking forward by amplifying First Nations voices, advocating for justice and reconciliation, and building a future where all Australians can thrive together. 

Local events 

To find out more about the history of NAIDOC Week and to learn more about this year’s theme visit National NAIDOC theme page. 

If you are looking at ways to inspire your team, workplace or community to celebrate National NAIDOC theme and Week visit Supporting NAIDOC Toolkit. You can use this toolkit any time of the year, not just during National NAIDOC Week. 

For more information about NAIDOC week events near you, visit.