Hundreds gathered at the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus on July 16 to celebrate NAIDOC Week, an important date on the national Indigenous calendar.
This year marked a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but also the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.
The Wollotuka Institute Student Advancement Manager Codie Neal said the event complemented the NAIDOC Week theme.
“We had a mix of young and old sharing their cultural knowledge with the community through dance, song, and food, as well as hands-on workshops such as didgeridoo playing, boomerang and spear throwing, art and more,” Neal said.
“Knowing the importance and significance of this week, our day brought the community together on campus to not only celebrate our culture but also highlight the pathways available for our mob to receive a higher education.
“It also gave our students the added bonus to connect with community.”
She said the day was all about understanding, acknowledging, recognising and learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, as well as showcasing what the university has to offer.
“As the number one university in Australia for Indigenous enrolments, the University of Newcastle is deeply committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing, and educational opportunities,” Neal said.
