NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make to our country and society.

This year’s National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations. The theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors. 

Over the decades, NAIDOC Week has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As the community commemorates this 50-year legacy, Ballina Council also looks 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 also lead. 

Some of the activities planned for the Ballina Shire are:

ANNUAL CELEBRATION WALK

Monday 7 July 10am for walk from 10.30am

River Street, Ballina 

The whole community is invited to join the annual Celebration Walk that starts from the Ballina RSL Club and proceeds along River Street to the front of the Ballina Visitor Information Centre for the official flag raising ceremony, dancers and speeches. Refreshments, BBQ, displays and games will be staged in the closed off area of the carpark with morning tea provided for community Elders in the Richmond Room.

ELDERS LUNCH

Tuesday 8 July from 10.30am – 1.30pm 

Richmond Room

Special elders luncheon with hand massages, jewellery making, art with ochre, lingo bingo, elders photo booth and more.

BULLINAH BASKETBALL 3 x 3 

Wednesday 9 July from 10am – 2pm 

Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC)

Free 3 x 3 competition, skills and drills for 8-18 year olds with lunch provided and singlets for all registered players

GARIIMA ELDERS GROUP EXHIBITION 

Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 July 

Ignite Studios – 60 Crane Street Ballina

A pop-up exhibition at Ignite Studios by local Ballina CPL Gariima Elders Group for NAIDOC Week, representing themes of family, cultural connections, colours of country, nature, gathering, ceremony and homeland, and using a combination of natural ochres and other materials sourced on Bundjalung Country. Open Wed – Fri 10am – 2pm, Sat – Sun 10am – 1pm

GOORI CULTURAL ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL 

Thursday 10 July 10am – 2pm

Missingham Park Amphitheatre 

Cultural activities including weaving, dancing, jewellery making, cultural art, cultural tours, didgeridoo playing, bush tucker tastings and live music.

COMMUNITY MURAL PAINTING & WEAVING CIRCLE

Friday 11 July 10am – 2pm 

Ignite Studios – 60 Crane Street Ballina

A community mural painting in the grounds of Ignite Studios, led by Bundjalung/Dunghutti artist Sonya Breckenridge, and drop-in weaving circle with local weaving collective Jugan Dandii. All welcome, tools and materials provided. Wear clothes that can get messy!

NYANGBAL NAIDOC GROUP EXHIBITION

Thursday 26 June to Sunday 17 August 

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) – 44 Cherry Street Ballina

A group exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery featuring emerging local artists from the Nyangbal clan of the Bundjalung Nation - Daniel Roberts, Savannah Hickling, Loren Del Signore and Levi Roberts.