NAIDOC Week 2025: Exodus and Lavalla200> Celebrate with First Nations Families and Communities

The Exodus Community in Melbourne celebrated NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week 2025 from 6 to 13 July, embracing this year’s theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy.”

It’s a theme that deeply resonated with the community, who once again attended the annual NAIDOC Family Day hosted by Aboriginal Housing Victoria. Held at the Aboriginal Advancement League in Thornbury, Melbourne, the event was a vibrant and joyful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

For the past few years, the Exodus Community has brought together local First Nations families - many of whom are part of its youth programs - to participate in this special week. For some, it’s more than just a community gathering; it’s a meaningful space for connection, healing, and cultural rediscovery.

Generational trauma and disconnection due to colonisation have meant many families are only now beginning to explore or reclaim their cultural identity. With support from Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place, a partner organisation, families are finding safe pathways to reconnect with language, traditions, and story. It was heartening to see so many children and parents engaged - laughing at the face painting station, listening to storytelling, kicking the footy, and sharing food.

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Contributed by Liz Wake, Program Coordinator, Exodus Community .

Lavalla200> Community Joins NAIDOC Celebrations in Western Sydney

As communities gathered across the country for NAIDOC Week 2025, the Lavalla200> community marked the occasion by supporting a large local celebration in Western Sydney. The event was a collaborative effort between Holy Family Parish and Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation and brought together over 2,000 people in a local park, all celebrating the richness of Aboriginal culture and history.

Much of the preparation was done hand-in-hand with local Elders and community leaders. Br Lawrie McCann worked alongside Aunty Cassandra from Baabayn to help plan and coordinate the event. Silvia Martinez and Ruben Galego volunteered on the day - setting up tents, directing traffic, taking photos, and staying till the end to clean up. Their efforts helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The day itself was full of energy and generosity. Free food, cultural performances, rides for the kids, and over 70 stalls offering health, legal, and support services brought a festival-like spirit to the event. The atmosphere was one of community: people sharing stories, laughing together, and honouring a legacy that extends back tens of thousands of years.

For Lavalla200>, it was a privilege to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC 2025 - and an honour to be part of a celebration grounded in respect, resilience, and hope for the next generation.

Contributed by Br Lawrie McCann, Lavalla200> Community.