Throughout NAIDOC Week, Life Without Barriers teams around the country came together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
NAIDOC Week 2025 was full of vibrant celebrations at Life Without Barriers! From Family Fun Days to marches and cultural performances, the week was filled with moments that celebrated the achievements of the past and acknowledged the rich heritage and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
New South Wales
Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC Week Walk
Life Without Barriers staff joined a record number of people who attended the Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC Walk and community event.
"The NAIDOC Week Walk on Awabakal land was an opportunity to stand alongside community, to yarn, to listen to stories, and share smiles and moments of connection. I was grateful to walk these lands, hear from Elders, and be part of this community," said Leanne Johnson, Deputy Chief Executive, Life Without Barriers.
Image: A group of staff at the Awabakal NAIDOC Walk, smiling at the camera.
Warrawong and Koonawarra NAIDOC Family Fun Days
The Wollongong team participated in two NAIDOC Week events, the Warrawong and Koonawarra NAIDOC Family Fun Days, delivering child friendly focused cultural activities at both.
Activities included colouring in keyrings with Aboriginal designs, making bracelets, ring toss, playdough, and sand play. We had laminated pictures of Aboriginal artifacts hanging up with the name of the artifact underneath and handed out merch bags which contained a cultural booklet, coloured pencils and a bracelet making pack, stickers, NAIDOC Week bookmarks and temporary tattoos - which were all a massive hit.
"We were blessed to engage with so many members of the community, young and old, over the two days," said Gayle Cruickshank, Cultural Support Specialist.
Queensland
The Moreton Bay NAIDOC Family Fun Day
The Moreton Bay team had a wonderful time celebrating NAIDOC with the community at the Moreton Bay NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Gubbi Gubbi land, immersing themselves in culture as they enjoyed live music, fun activities and lots of yarns with community members.
"It was fantastic to connect with the Moreton Bay community at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day and celebrate Aboriginal communities and culture," said Steven Mead, Carer Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator.
Image: Steven Mead, Carer Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator, engaging with community at the Moreton Bay NAIDOC Family Fun Day.
Toowoomba NAIDOC Week Activities
The Toowoomba team had a jampacked NAIDOC Week, starting off with the 2025 Toowoomba NAIDOC Awards Gala Dinner on Barunggam land. It was an inspiring evening dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements, leadership, and unwavering commitment to culture and community by First Nations people.
"The stories shared, and the strength shown by all the nominees and winners left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks to all those recognised—you are leading the way and inspiring the next generation," said Chloe Appo, Program Assistant.
The team also participated in the annual NAIDOC Expo held at the Good Shed. The day began with a Mayoral Flag Raising Ceremony followed by a community march, setting a powerful tone of unity and pride.
Attendees were treated to a delicious breakfast and sweet treats, including cake, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Expo also featured a vibrant array of NAIDOC merchandise, along with interactive activities such as face painting, photo booth, exciting raffles and prizes.
On Wednesday, the Youth Housing and Reintegration Service (YHARS) team joined the Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre’s Street Footy event. Their presence highlighted a strong commitment to supporting young people aged 12 to 21 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them find safe, stable housing and build the skills needed to live independently.
The event was a vibrant celebration of culture and community, featuring captivating performances by the Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers, face painting, Indigenous games and a free BBQ lunch. An Elders Tent offered a space for reflection and connection, honouring the wisdom and leadership of community Elders.
"This year’s NAIDOC theme, 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,' served as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing young people while preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. The event was a true reflection of unity, respect, and shared commitment to building a stronger future," said Chloe Appo, Program Assistant.
The team closed off NAIDOC Week with the Toowoomba South Child Safety NAIDOC Morning Tea. Life Without Barriers Youth Worker, Bradley Appo, was invited as a guest speaker.
A proud Goreng Goreng and Wakka Wakka man, Bradley shared his personal journey through the child protection system, offering a powerful and moving account of his lived experience in care.
Bradley spoke candidly about the challenges he faced growing up and the resilience that carried him through difficult times. His story highlighted the importance of cultural identity, community support, and the transformative power of lived experience in shaping meaningful change.
Now working to support children and young people in similar circumstances, Bradley’s message resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the significance of this year’s NAIDOC theme.
Life Without Barriers is proud to stand alongside leaders like Bradley, whose courage and commitment continue to inspire and empower others.
Image: Bradley Appo, Youth Worker, standing with Morag Mac Lennan from Child Safety, at the morning tea, smiling at the camera.
South Australia
Ceduna NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day
Staff and participants from the Life Without Barriers Disability Program joined the Ceduna community at the Annual NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day.
"Our Disability program in Ceduna supports people in remote South Australia and our people love to attend culturally significant events on Wirangu Country. They love sharing their connections with family and friends with our staff, who learn so much about their history," said Anne Wall, Disability Support Leader.
"Our staff are passionate about advocating to maintain the people we support's connections to their culture. NAIDOC celebrations in Ceduna provide so many opportunities for our people to engage with Aboriginal culture, art and community."
Victoria
Future Women's 2025 NAIDOC Week Lunch
Narelle Demeris, Director of Disability Services and Nicole Hassall, Executive Officer, VDAS, were fortunate to attend this year's Future Women NAIDOC Lunch, held in the heart of Naarm, where they heard from a powerful line up of First Nations women who reflected on the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
"Another great experience listening to a group of women, all accomplished First Nation Leaders. They all spoke to this year's NAIDOC theme of Strength, Vision and Legacy," said Nicole.
"I came away aware of how far we have to go, but able to feel confident that there are some deadly women with fire moving us all forward. Thank you to Future Women."
Image: Nicole Hassall, Executive Officer, VDAS, and Narelle Demeris, Director of Disability Services, at the Future Women NAIDOC event in Naarm.
The City of Darebin's NAIDOC Week Lunch Time Celebration
Staff from our Melbourne team also joined the City of Darebin's NAIDOC Week Lunch Time Celebration on Wurundjeri land, hosted by local comedian Shiralee Hood, Noongar Kurnai Gunditjmara.
Attendees were invited to enjoy river mint tea and try their hand at weaving, whilst listening to live music by Leonie Whyman on guitar, and Brent Watkins from Culture Evolves on the yidaki (digeridoo), watching a Yuloo Aboriginal Dance Group performance, and learning about local Aboriginal culture.
NAIDOC March Naarm (Melbourne)
Nicole Hassall, Executive Officer, VDAS, Felix Beilby, Strategy and Support Manager, and Talia Sugiyama, Data and Reform Analyst, joined the annual NAIDOC March in Naarm, marching with thousands of others from the inner-northern suburbs and through to the CBD.
"A small but mighty trio. First Nations people and their Allies together. The march is always a swell of truth telling of the past and present and a celebration of culture. You could feel and see this year’s theme running through both speakers and marchers alike," said Nicole Hassall, Executive Officer, VDAS.
