NAIDOC Week 2025 – The Next Generation
Published on 04 July 2025
NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Celebrated across Australia and beyond, this week highlights the rich contributions of Indigenous communities.
In 2025, the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy” shines a spotlight on emerging young leaders and future custodians of Culture.
Council is collaborating with the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network and Community Bank Mansfield & District to present an exciting week of free community events and workshops from Sunday 6 July to Saturday 12 July, with a strong focus on youth, in line with this year’s theme.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council was proud to support the celebrations.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to come together and celebrate part of our community’s heritage,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who partnered with us to put together this great week of events. I encourage community members to get involved in some of the activities on offer,” said Cr Rabie.
Community members can join the official opening on Sunday 6 July at the Gadhaba Gathering Place (near the Visitor Information Centre) for a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome with Aunty Angela ten Buuren, Aunty Bernadette Franklin and the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network.
The opening also features the launch of a new exhibition by young Taungurung artist Iluka Sax-Williams at the Visitor Information Centre, on display throughout July. Iluka, a 2024 Anthem Award gold winner and MIT Emerging Artist Award recipient, recently gained attention with a Melbourne tram covered in his pyrography designs. Iluka will also lead a pyrography workshop for young artists at the Mansfield Shire Youth Centre on Monday 7 July.
On Tuesday 8 July, Wurundjeri man Vern Simsen will lead a guided walk through the Mullum Wetlands exploring Indigenous uses of native plants, followed by a ring tree talk with Dr Pieter Mourik.
Later that evening, Mansfield Armchair Cinema will be screening Her Name is Nanny Nellie – a powerful documentary telling the story of Irene Walker’s journey to reclaim her great-grandmother Nellie Walker’s identity after she was depicted anonymously in a 1925 museum exhibit.
A day of storytelling and creativity is on offer at Mansfield Library on Thursday 10 July, including Indigenous storytelling with Gadhaba Chair Miranda Connaughton (ages 4–8) and a session with Taungurung artist Tilly Annuscheit on traditional stories and bark painting with ochre sourced and mixed by the artist (ages 8–12).
On Friday 11 July, cultural educator and artist Cassie Leatham will lead a native plant dye workshop exploring natural pigments and bush dyeing techniques. Participants will create their own plant-imprinted tote bags to take home.
On Saturday 12 July the Gadhaba Market Stall at the Mansfield Farmer’s Market will offer the chance to browse Taungurung art, craft and jewellery and connect with members of the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network to learn how to support and get involved in local Indigenous initiatives.
All events are free thanks to support from Mansfield Shire Council and Community Bank Mansfield & District. Some workshops require registration — search "NAIDOC Mansfield 2025" on Eventbrite to book your place.