Family fun days and cultural connection will bring people together for NAIDOC Week. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
NAIDOC Week is marking 50 years of celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, looks not just at the past but also the bright future ahead empowered by young leaders, the vision of communities and legacy of ancestors.
Events around the Illawarra will allow the broader community to appreciate and learn more about First Nations culture and support those leading the way.
Here’s where you can celebrate NAIDOC Week across the region.
Coomaditchie Last Minute Gallery NAIDOC Exhibition
When: Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 July, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: N.A.S.A Gallery at The Servo, 6-8 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla and Coomaditchie Kemblawarra Community Hall, Shellharbour Road, Port Kembla
Cost: Free.
The exhibition across two Illawarra locations is a vibrant showcase of Coomaditchie’s talented artists, featuring beautiful original artworks, quality prints, apparel and products available for purchase. The official opening will be 11 am at The Servo on 5 July with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony as well as free food and bush tucker sweets, a weaving workshop and a DJ.
Shellharbour NAIDOC Community Day
When: Monday 7 July, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.
The family-friendly event encourages people of all ages to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, culture, and resilience. Children can get hands-on with craft workshops and explore creative activities, with live music, an art exhibition and a range of interactive cultural experiences also on offer thanks to more than 30 organisations contributing to the event.
Warrawong NAIDOC Family Fun Day
When: Tuesday 8 July, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Darcy Wentworth Park, 33 Carlotta Crescent, Warrawong
Cost: Free.
The family fun day aims to bring together culture and community on local land to celebrate, dance, eat and connect. The event will boast live music and performances, a petting zoo, prizes and giveaways, engaging cultural activities and a football clinic run by the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The community will be able to engage in cultural experiences for the whole family. Photo: Keeli Dyson.
CareWays NAIDOC Koonawarra Family Fun Day
When: Thursday 10 July, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Koonawarra Community Centre, 36 Fowlers Road, Koonawarra
Cost: Free.
This event has grown into one of the region’s largest NAIDOC celebrations and an opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who have shaped our current day communities and provided powerful opportunities for future generations. The event will have a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony as well as performances from award-winning dance troupes, a drop-in dance workshop, children’s activities and cultural workshops, live music, giveaways, a visit from St George Illawarra Dragons and free food.
NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition Kiama
When: Thursday 10 July to Wednesday 16 July
Where: Old Fire Station Art Gallery, Corner Terralong and Shoalhaven Streets, Kiama
Cost: Free.
This special exhibition featuring the works of respected local artists Aunty Jodie and Aunty Lila Steward reflects deep cultural knowledge, storytelling and connection to Country. As part of the event, Aunty Jodie and Aunty Lila will also hold a series of traditional cultural workshops including beading and weaving, which will give the community a hands-on opportunity to learn, share and connect.
Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre NAIDOC Day
When: Friday 11 July, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, 49a Cawley Street, Bellambi
Cost: Free.
The Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a NAIDOC celebration filled with fun giveaways and kids’ activities in a safe, caring and welcoming environment where everyone is included. There will be more than 20 stalls with weaving, a reptile show, BBQ, jumping castle, fairy floss and ice-cream, as well as live music including from Australian singer and songwriter Kobie Dee.
WNDAC NAIDOC After Party
When: Saturday 12 July, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Sandon Point Surf Club (grass area), Point Street, Bulli
Cost: Free.
The Wollongong Northern Districts Aboriginal Community will hold a NAIDOC celebration centring around connection and community. There will be food and music with a focus on bringing people from the community together, with everyone invited.
Regional NAIDOC award 2024 Young Achiever of the Year Kealen Blattner (left) posing with his mum, aunties and uncles. Photo: Shoalhaven City Council.
Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards
When: Saturday 26 July, 4 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $80 | Book via Eventbrite.
The annual event which celebrates and promotes the achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the region is a collaboration between Shellharbour, Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils. Since it began in 2011, the awards recognise the talents, achievements and outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.
