7/6/2025
Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 in Victoria
National NAIDOC Week is held across Australia in the first week of July each year. It celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and invites every Australian to join in the world’s oldest living cultures through community-led events, art, music, ceremony and conversation. To learn more, visit naidoc.org.au
6 – 13 July | Theme: “The Next Generation: Strength,Vision & Legacy”
What is NAIDOC Week?
National NAIDOC Week is held across Australia in the first week of July each year. It celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and invites every Australian to join in the world’s oldest living cultures through community-led events, art, music, ceremony and conversation. To learn more, visit naidoc.org.au
This Year’s Theme
2025 marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week. The theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” honours the Elders and activists who forged the movement, while spotlighting young First Nations leaders who are carrying that legacy forward with courage and creativity.
Three Victorian Events You Won’t Want to Miss
- Flag Raising & Smoking Ceremony – Malvern
Thursday 3 July, 11 am–12 pm | Malvern Town Hall
Join Traditional Owners, local council and community members as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are raised, followed by a Smoking Ceremony and live performance from Yuggera / Ugarapul musician John Wayne Parsons. - Free and open to all.
- Sunrise Ceremony – Ocean Grove
Monday 7 July, 7 :30 am–9 am | Bukareeyoo (Tip of 20W)
Greet the dawn with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on the coast. A Welcome to Country, didgeridoo and Smoking Ceremony offer a powerful moment of reflection and connection to Country—perfect for kicking off your NAIDOC Week. - Free entry.
- NAIDOC Family Day – Kurunjang (Melton)
Tuesday 8 July, 10 am–2 pm | Djirra in the West
Bring the kids for a day of live music, crafts, food stalls and community yarns. Hosted by Djirra, this family-friendly gathering spotlights First Nations services and celebrates culture in a relaxed, welcoming setting. - Free entry.
For more events check out the NAIDOC week events page: https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events?title=&postcode=&state=24
How to Get Involved
- Plan ahead: Most events are free but some ask you to register—check the links on the NAIDOC site.
- Support Blak businesses: Grab a coffee, buy a piece of art or pick up lunch from a First Nations-owned vendor while you’re out.
- Share respectfully: Follow event photography rules—some ceremonies may request no filming or photos.
- Keep learning year-round: Exhibitions and workshops run well beyond NAIDOC Week, so keep an eye on local galleries, libraries and community centres for ongoing programs.
Whether you make it to one event or many, NAIDOC Week is a chance to celebrate the strength, vision and legacy of First Nations peoples—and to walk together towards a shared future.
