NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC originally stood for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The committee was responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and this acronym has since become the name of the week itself.
Today, NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia and recognise the unique history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The week is a great opportunity for Lake Macquarie residents to participate in a range of activities and to support Lake Macquarie’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
NAIDOC Week 2025 will be held 6-13 July 2025. The theme for 2025 is: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we commemorate this 50-year legacy, we also look forward, honouring the next generation who will carry the torch, shaping the future with courage, insight, and deep respect for our roots. Guided by the wisdom of our Elders and the groundwork laid by our forebears, each NAIDOC Week reinforces our vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way. From this solid foundation, the next generation will rise—grounded in the strength of our Elders, history, inspired by a shared vision, and committed to building a legacy of unity, respect, and self-determination for all. This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone but a movement that endures, grows, and evolves—driven by the unwavering strength of our communities, the shared vision of our people, and the enduring legacy we pass on to those who will shape our future. Together, we walk forward, honouring where we've come from and looking boldly to the next generation who will carry NAIDOC and their communities into the future.
NAIDOC Week events funding
Council’s NAIDOC Week Grant funding applications for 2025 will open Monday 3 February 2025 and close Monday 3 March 2025.
Council’s NAIDOC Week fund was established to increase community awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s achievements, culture and heritage, by offering financial assistance to hold culturally significant hands project or an activity in the Lake Macquarie LGA.