This year’s family fun day has been jointly planned and funded by the Benalla and District Social Inclusion Action Group, Benalla Health, Benalla Rural City Council, Tomorrow Today, and Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency, with oversight from the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
NAIDOC Week celebrations take place across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year marks a powerful milestone, 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience.
The 2025 theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.
The local Benalla event is promoting youth participation as well as capturing some past event memories on a storyboard.
It will include an unveiling of the 2025 NAIDOC Quilt created by the Benalla Deadly Women’s Yarning Group.
There will be artwork on display created by Tomorrow Today’s Anganya young artist group, led by Aunty Cheryl Cooper.
“We welcome everyone to join us in our Annual Benalla NAIDOC Week celebration,” Advisory Group chair Aunty Sharon Nylen said.
“We look forward to sharing the event with family, friends and new connections.”
Benalla Health chief executive Jacqueline Kelly said the 2025 theme continued to honour its rich cultural heritage while looking towards a future filled with promise and unity.
“Join us in celebrating the achievements of the past and the boundless potential of the generations to come,” she said.
Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said she appreciated the support of the community.
“It’s great to see our community come together for such an important event,” she said.
“I’m proud of how our rural city supports and celebrates NAIDOC Week, and this annual event at the Lakeside Centre shows the strength and unity of our town.
“It’s wonderful to see young people getting involved and sharing in the celebrations.
“The teamwork behind this week is something we can all be proud of and shows our community keeps growing stronger when we work together.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this week happen.
“Benalla Rural City is lucky to have such strong community spirit.”
Everyone is welcome to join the celebrations on Tuesday, July 8
10.30am: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at the Civic Centre, 13 Mair St Benalla.
The Lakeside Community Centre, Benalla (accessed via Arundel St) will host the remaining family fun day activities.
11am: Yorta Yorta Nation Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by an interactive ‘Welcome Dance’ performed by the Galnya Yenbena Traditional Dance Group.
1pm: Unveiling of the Benalla Deadly Women’s Yarning Group 2025 NAIDOC Quilt.
Family activities on the day include cultural art, craft and stories, plus sports activities for children.
Cultural displays will showcase the contributions and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the region.
Service information stalls will show what is offered in our community.
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