Image credit: Albury Wodonga NAIDOC Committee
This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, honours the achievements of Elders over the past 50 years and celebrates the resilience and aspirations of emerging leaders across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to recognise the history, culture and contributions of First Nations peoples, and to reflect on their enduring connection to Country.
Hosted at the riverfront in Hovell Tree Park, the free community event will begin at 10:30am with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Darren Wighton, followed by an introduction to the 2025 NAIDOC theme and a program of cultural performances by local artists and community groups.
Albury Wodonga NAIDOC Committee Chair, Summer Matthews, encouraged all community members to be part of the milestone 50th anniversary celebration.
“This year’s theme really speaks to the strength of young leaders, the vision they have for their communities, and the legacy they carry forward,” Ms Matthews said.
“We’ve created a family-friendly event which puts youth at the centre, with performances by emerging local talent, free food, children’s activities and plenty of ways for people of all ages to get involved.”
The event will feature live performances by Buzzkill (Josh Quinn), The Muirs, Markus Toi, Rachel Butler and Kate Crowley, Bryce Hickson, as well as dance performances by Maliyan Mob from James Fallon High School and Dinawan’s Connection.
A special Koori Got Talent will be held for young performers aged between eight and 16.
The event will conclude with a closing by Jonny Murray, including an open invitation for the community to join in a final dance.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said NAIDOC Week offered a meaningful opportunity to engage with and celebrate local Indigenous cultures.
“NAIDOC Week brings our community together in recognition of the knowledge, strength and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples,” Mayor Mack said.
“This event not only celebrates culture, it also highlights the voices and leadership of the next generation. I encourage everyone to come along, listen and learn, and be part of this important event.”
The region’s calendar of events includes:
- 6 July (10:30am – 3pm) Albury NAIDOC Main Event, Hovell Tree Park, Albury
- 7 July (11am – 3pm) M.A.C Community event, Hovell Street, Wodonga
- 7 July (10:30am – 11am) Kids Storytime, Hyphen, Wodonga
- 8 July (11am – 3pm) M.A.C Damper Making, Wangaratta
- 8 July (10am – 11am) Kids Storytime, Albury LibraryMuseum
- 8 July (11am – 3pm) M.A.C Damper Making, Wangaratta
- 8 July (11am – 1pm) Art Workshop, Corryong Library, Corryong
- 8 July (10:30am – 2:30pm) VACCA Community NAIDOC Event, Civic Centre, Benalla
- 9 July (5:30pm – 7pm) Panel Discussion: NAIDOC Posters, Tallangatta Library
- 10 July (1pm – 4pm) VACCA Community NAIDOC Event, Apex Park, Wangaratta
- 11 July (10am – 12:30pm) Weaving Workshop, Hyphen, Wodonga
- 13 July (11am – 2pm) Community NAIDOC Event, Myrtleford Plaza, Great Alpine Rd
- 14 July (10am – 11am) Flag lowering, Wodonga Council carpark