Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025: Honouring Culture, Truth, and Community
Sunday July 6 marked the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week—a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
CatholicCare Victoria (CCV) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria and their deep spiritual and cultural connections to land, waterways, and community.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and reaffirm our commitment to cultural safety across all our services and workplaces.
Sunday July 6 marked the beginning of National NAIDOC Week 2025, a significant time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Now in its 50th year, NAIDOC Week continues to be a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and richness of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
2025 Theme: The Next Generation
This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates the enduring legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while looking ahead to a future shaped by young leaders, community vision, and ancestral strength. It honours the wisdom of Elders and the foundations laid by generations past, while empowering the next generation to lead with courage, insight, and a deep respect for culture. As we commemorate this milestone, we also embrace a future grounded in unity, respect, and self-determination.
Walking for Truth
Recently, several CCV team members had the honour of joining community members, Elders, and leaders on the final leg of the 500km Walk for Truth, led by the Yoorrook Justice Commission. This walk marked the conclusion of the Commission’s four-year inquiry—the first formal truth-telling process into the historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.
Participating in this walk was a meaningful way to stand in solidarity with First Nations communities and to reflect on the importance of truth-telling in the journey toward justice and healing.
To learn more about the Walk for Truth and the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, visit: Yoorrook Justice Commission
How to Get Involved
We encourage all staff, partners, and community members to take time this week to engage with NAIDOC Week events and resources. Whether it’s attending a local celebration, learning more about First Nations cultures, or simply starting a conversation, every action contributes to a more inclusive and respectful future.
You can download the official 2025 NAIDOC Week poster and explore events happening across the country by visiting:
2025 National NAIDOC Week Poster | NAIDOC
Let us use this week as an opportunity to listen, learn, and celebrate together.
