In summary

  • NAIDOC Week 2025 mark 50 years of celebrating Indigenous cultures, with the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” reminding all Australians of our shared responsibility to support and uplift the next generation of Indigenous leaders

  • Swinburne continues its commitment to truth-telling, education and reconciliation, guided by the leadership of the Moondani Toombadool Centre

NAIDOC Week 2025 is held from July 6 to 13, commemorating 50 years of recognising and celebrating the cultures, histories, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ reminds all Australians of our shared responsibility to support and uplift the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Swinburne staff and students are encouraged to join NAIDOC celebrations in the communities surrounding our campuses and beyond - particularly in Boroondara, Knox and Yarra local government areas.

Victorian NAIDOC 2025 Gala Ball

The VIC NAIDOC Committee is hosting the Victorian NAIDOC Gala Ball 2025 to mark 50 years of NAIDOC. Under this year’s theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ the event will honour trailblazers, amplify the voices of young leaders, and celebrate those shaping the future. From powerful performances and bold fashion to humour, , the Gala Ball promises to be a memorable night. 

VIC NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony

The Victorian NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony officially begins NAIDOC Week, bringing together community, leaders, and allies to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. This year’s ceremony starts at Camp Sovereignty, followed by a walk to Federation Square. Everyone is invited to join in respect, reflection, and solidarity.

VIC NAIDOC March 

The Victorian NAIDOC March is one of the most significant events of NAIDOC Week, a proud and powerful expression of solidarity, resistance, and strength. Every year, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, alongside allies and supporters, gather in Melbourne to walk together in the spirit of truth, justice, and celebration. The March is both a call for recognition and change, and a celebration of culture, community, and resilience.

‘NAIDOC 2025’ by Moondani Toombadool Centre

‘NAIDOC 2025’ is a community exhibition at Hawthorn Arts Centre by Swinburne University of Technology Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Presented in partnership with Moondani Toombadool Centre, this exhibition showcases works from the Swinburne 2025 annual NAIDOC Design Competition. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student artists from Swinburne University present works responding to this year’s NAIDOC theme.

The City of Boroondara 

The City of Boroondara will host Swinburne’s Pro Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement Professor John Evans for a talk “Building Stronger Futures: Securing Housing for Indigenous Australians” on Thursday 10 July at Kew Library. Learn about Swinburne’s new Indigenous Building Co-Fabrication Centre, an initiative creating collaborative opportunities to design homes that reflect First Nations culture, values, and aspirations. 

You can also take a self guided walk through the beautiful Maranoa Botanic Gardens in Balwyn where you can explore the rich native flora and the land’s natural beauty and Connect with Country.

For more about what’s happening near you during NAIDOC Week 2025, visit  NAIDOC week website.

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