Today is the start of NAIDOC Week and the Minns Labor Government is helping communities all over NSW celebrate their Aboriginal histories and cultures with $548,000 in grant funding.
More than 180 community organisations and groups across the state have received funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to assist with hosting local NAIDOC activities to promote awareness, understanding and celebration.
The NAIDOC Grants Program, empowers community-driven celebrations that provide opportunities for people across NSW to connect to Aboriginal culture and Country. Last year, events supported through the program helped engage over 65,000 participants.
Over the coming months, 2025 grant recipients will be supported to host events that align with the theme of NAIDOC Week 2025: 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy'.
Initiatives funded by the program include:
- The development of a regenerative bush tucker garden at a primary school in Cardiff on Awabakal Country where students can learn about native plants endemic to the area and their traditional uses
- The creation of a lasting public display of Aboriginal storytelling in Coffs Harbour on Gumbaynggirr Country where student works are transformed into permanent street art
- A 2025 NAIDOC Unity Guuma-li (Gather) Corroboree in Gunnedah on Kamilaroi Country featuring cultural dance and art workshops
- A week-long NAIDOC festival in Cowra on Wiradjuri Country featuring opportunities to learn Wiradjuri language, a debutante ball, and elders' luncheon
- NAIDOC on Sydney Harbour on Gadigal Country, an event held on Tribal Warrior's vessel showcasing the spiritual and cultural importance of water for Mob
- A family fun day at Bellambi, near Wollongoing on Dharawal Wodi Wodi Country where children and grandchildren will be encouraged to connect to Country via activities, entertainment and food
- A family fun day in Wilcannia on Barkindji Country to celebrate the strong and deadly up and-coming generations in the Wilcannia community
- A cultural arts and craft knowledge exchange with Aboriginal artists and elders in Broken Hill on Wilyakali Country.
Grant recipients (as at 6 July 2025): 2025 NAIDOC Grants Recipients
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"NAIDOC Week brings people together and is a great opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"The NSW Government is honoured to support community-driven NAIDOC celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
"The array of initiatives we are supporting demonstrates the richness, vitality and diversity of Aboriginal cultures across NSW. And it shows the strength and positivity of the communities that are hosting these terrific events.
"By supporting initiatives like these it is helping us reach our goal of closing the gap by celebrating Aboriginal culture and ensuring Aboriginal people remain connected to their community and culture.
"With events being held across the state, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity that NAIDOC Week presents, to connect with community and participate in celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories."
A spokesperson for Saltwater Freshwater said:
"Thanks to this funding, 70 talented Aboriginal students from across the four nations we represent will see their visual stories transformed into high-quality pavement stickers that will be permanently displayed outside The Gallery of Saltwater Freshwater.
"It's a powerful and lasting way to celebrate their voices, creativity, and connection to culture."
