The City of Ballarat, in partnership with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), invites the community to join in commemorating NAIDOC Week 2025.
Running nationally from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July, NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year's theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week, celebrating the enduring strength of First Nations cultures and the promise of generations to come.
Ballarat's NAIDOC Week will commence with a collaborative Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday 7 July, held at BADAC in partnership with WTOAC and the City of Ballarat. This is only the second time such a joint event has been held, following the success of last year's inaugural ceremony.
Following the flag raising, attendees are invited to take part in the annual walk to the Ballarat New Cemetery to honour Wadawurrung ancestor Frank Mullawallah Wilson. This tradition, initiated by BADAC members in 1988, reflects the community's deep commitment to remembrance and respect for First Nations heritage.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, said she was proud of the growing relationship between the City of Ballarat, Traditional Owners and local Indigenous organisations and community groups.
"Our partnership with BADAC and WTOAC during NAIDOC Week exemplifies our shared commitment to reconciliation and celebrating the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," she said.
"It's vital that we walk together and build strong connections to grow the strength, vision, and legacy of future generations."
NAIDOC Week in Ballarat will feature a range of events including cultural workshops, storytelling sessions, and community gatherings designed to celebrate culture and to engage and educate residents.
The City of Ballarat will also deliver a range of events including:
- Wendouree, Sebastopol and Ballarat libraries hosting free movies, author talks, and art workshops.
- The Eureka Centre will present a free screening and panel discussion of 'Her Name is Nanny Nellie', a moving and timely story by Ngarigo and Awabakal film director, Daniel King.
- The Art Gallery of Ballarat will feature work by Peter Waples-Crowe in Alfred Deakin Place. A proud Ngarigo man living in Naarm/Melbourne, Waples-Crowe explores the intersection of his First Nations and LGBTQIA+ identity.
- Perridak Arts will host a three-hour basket weaving workshop, presented by Ageing Well Services.
For a full program of events, including free Wadawurrung Walks and the annual BADAC Community Day, visit the City of Ballarat's NAIDOC Week page.
