Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025 in Baw Baw Shire
Published on 24 June 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council is proud to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other partners in celebrating NAIDOC Week.
Held annually in the first week of July (Sunday to Sunday) this year from 6 to 13 July, NAIDOC Week is a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples. This year the week-long celebrations and the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuously practiced cultures on earth. All Australians can engage in meaningful reflection and action, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss is encouraging the community to get involved in local NAIDOC Week activities, events and conversations.
"NAIDOC Week is not only a celebration – it’s a call to listen, learn and walk together to support our First Nations communities”, said Cr Goss.
Local NAIDOC Week celebrations will include:
NAIDOC Week Opening, Awards and Flag Raising Ceremony
When: 10am – 11.30am on Monday 7 July
Where: West Gippsland Arts Centre Forecourt
All community members are invited to join Council in an official NAIDOC Week opening ceremony including a smoking ceremony held by local Elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton and featuring other guest speakers and awards.
Deadly Hoops Basketball Comp
When: 10am - 1:30pm on Friday 11 July
Where: Warragul Leisure Centre, 21 Burke Street, Warragul
Cost: Free
Deadly means awesome! Join us for a community basketball match and show your skills or come and cheer on our community.
The event will begin with the kids matches, under 8’s begin at 10:30am and under 13’s begin at 11:00am. The Deadly Hoops community match begins at 11.30am. There will be a free barbecue for all to enjoy from 12.30pm onwards.
Kurnai Culture Expo
When: 10am – 3pm on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July
Where: West Gippsland Arts Centre, Fountain Room (enter via Civic Place)
Cost: Free
This expo is led by the Kurnai Elders as they very generously share their culture and history with community. Come and see old historical maps, look at the Kurnai seasons and the native ingredients of the area. There will also be films presented and a Kurnai art exhibition. Merchandise will be available for purchase (cash only).
These events are open to the entire community, and residents are encouraged to participate, reflect and celebrate together.
Council’s support for NAIDOC Week aligns with its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, guided by the Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
For more information about local NAIDOC Week events and activities, please visit Council’s website at NAIDOC Week
For more information about NAIDOC Week, please visit naidoc.org.au