NAIDOC Week celebrates 50 years in 2025

NAIDOC History

On 26 January 1938, more than 1,000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to call for full citizenship status and laws to improve outcomes for First Nations people. This day became known as the Day of Mourning and marked one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world.

National NAIDOC Week has been observed annually since 1975, beginning on the first Sunday in July. It commemorates the Day of Mourning and celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations people.

The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, honours the past while looking forward, celebrating the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.

Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee, Aunty (Prof) Lynette Riley AO (Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi), said: “In 2025, we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, celebrating our cultures and teaching about our people’s histories and cultures.

“Each year, we select a theme to further develop greater understanding of our issues, in line with our Elders’ initial concepts for NAIDOC Week.

“The theme for 2025, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,’ focuses on our youth – future leaders in Culture, and all the social and political parameters we need their ongoing help with as we continue to fight for justice and equity in Australia.

We want to highlight the amazing role our youth play in our futures. They are our strength, they provide our vision through their ongoing work with Elders in their own communities, and they are responsible for future legacies.”

How businesses can engage

Embodying the spirit of NAIDOC week, Victorian Chamber members and the broader business community can connect and engage with First Nations businesses in the following ways:

• First Nations business directories: Specialised directories are available to help individuals and organisations connect with First Nations enterprises and unique services
• First Nations economic growth organisations: These organisations educate and empower First Nations businesses. They have deep community connections and can provide advisory services to businesses seeking to collaborate
• First Nations Traditional Owner Corporations: These corporations preserve Indigenous culture, manage land, and drive economic growth. Partnering with them supports their development and offers valuable insights and collaboration opportunities.

Economic hubs 

To support these efforts, five new business and cultural hubs are set to open across Victoria, providing culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, and students to network, collaborate, and showcase their work.

These hubs will be managed by Traditional Owner Corporations and are located in:

• Abbotsford: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
• Frankston: Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Heywood: Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Corporation
• Shepparton: Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation
• Warrnambool: Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

These join four existing Aboriginal economic hubs in Victoria, three of which have passed the one-year milestone:

• Ballarat: Wadawurrung Aboriginal Economic Hub
• Bendigo: DUMAWUL Hub (DJAARA)
• Geelong: Murran Hub (Ngarrimili)
• Morwell: GLaWAC Community Economic Hub.

Communities in these areas have access to programs and initiatives provided by the hubs including business mentoring and networking, cultural tours, art galleries, hot desk spaces and more. Services can include community workshops, leadership training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and tourism and hospitality initiatives.

Chamber’s Reconciliation role

The Victorian Chamber is committed to contributing meaningfully to Australia’s reconciliation journey. We are currently developing our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in partnership with Reconciliation Australia, with more details to come soon.

During National Reconciliation Week, the Victorian Chamber spoke with our RAP artist Samantha Richards about her journey through art, education and business.

The Victorian Chamber encourages all businesses to reflect, engage, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation and partnership with First Nations communities.