It's NAIDOC Week and celebrations are being held across the Byron Shire.
Join the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal people) and Byron Shire Council to celebrate NAIDOC Week in Byron Bay on Thursday 10 July at a free community family day from 10am to 2pm.
The event will kick off with a march from Railway Park to Dening Park at 10am, and festivities will continue at Dening Park.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, honouring the contribution of past generations while looking to the future.
"On behalf of Byron Shire Council, I am so proud to acknowledge our traditional custodians who have been looking after this land for thousands of years," Deputy Mayor, Jack Dods, said.
"As a community we are very privileged to have two Indigenous leaders represented on Council, Councillors Delta Kay and Michelle Lowe," Mr Dods said.
"To hear Delta talk about the Arakwal People in Byron Bay; her family and the spiritual connection to places like Cape Byron that are recognised across the globe, isdeeply moving.
"And it's not just the places that are so meaningful; the plants, trees, weather, seasons…all have a use or place in Indigenous culture and to learn about them is to appreciate the long history and ongoing connection to Country.
"This week, the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, I hope everyone takes some time to recognise the courage and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to work towards a future built on respect and understanding," Deputy Mayor Dods said.
Other NAIDOC Week activities in the Byron Shire include:
- Arakwal NAIDOC Film Screening at the Byron Community Centre on 8 July (tonight).
- Learning from the Past exhibition of artefacts at the Bangalow Museum (until early August).
- Rise and Fall exhibition by Karla Dickens at the Lone Goat Gallery (from 12 July).
