Wagga Wagga comes together to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC
Published: 11 Jul 2025 8:33am
Events were held across Wagga Wagga this week for NAIDOC celebrations from 6 – 13 July, celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The pride of the local First Nations community and allies was heard along Baylis Street on Monday (7 July) morning as participants of the annual NAIDOC march walked along Wagga Wagga’s main street before gathering at the Civic Centre forecourt for a Flag Raising ceremony.
Local Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Cheryl Penrith delivered a Welcome to Country, followed by a Smoking Ceremony conducted by Wiradyuri cultural knowledge holder Luke Wighton. The event was emceed by local Gamilaroi young person, Audrina Pinney.
The Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian flags were raised by local students Lea Otten from Kildare Catholic Collage, Millie McKenzie from The Riverina Anglican Collage with Asher Brown and Taylah-Mahy Murtaghto from Kooringal High School.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout attended the march and flag raising ceremony, and said he was proud to see people gather in support of NAIDOC week, which this year is acknowledging the theme of The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
“NAIDOC week is an important week for all Australians, and every year it's an honour to see and join our community in support,” Cr Tout said.
“Like previous years, this year’s annual march drew a large turnout despite the cold and foggy morning.
“This year celebrates a powerful milestone for NAIDOC; 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
“We are not only celebrating the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.”
A large program of events was held across NAIDOC Week, including the RivMed NAIDOC Celebration, Ashmont NAIDOC Week Celebration, and a 3x3 Basketball Gala Day, with tickets still available for the Mawang Gaway NAIDOC Ball, Balgarra concert and youth workshops in collaboration with the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris said Balgarra is about shining a light on the creativity and strength of the next generation.
“In celebration of NAIDOC week, the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre is hosting a free music making workshop for young people with First Nations performer Philly on Friday 11 July and Saturday 12 July,” Ms Harris said.
“Participants will learn how to write and record their own tracks and then be involved in the NAIDOC Balgarra concert alongside Philly and local performer Beacho2700 on the Civic Theatre stage.
“Balgarra means ‘emitting sparks’ in Wiradjuri, and this event is an opportunity for local First Nations youth to show their spark and celebrate their strengths and then share that with our local community through music.”
For more information, visit our NAIDOC Week webpage:
