TODAY (Monday, 7 July) is the start of NAIDOC Week and the Minns Labor Government is helping communities across the Electorate of Lismore celebrate their Aboriginal histories and cultures with grant funding.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin congratulated five local community organisations and groups for securing NAIDOC Grants Program funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to assist with hosting NAIDOC activities.
Over the coming months, this year’s grant recipients will be hosting community-driven events that align with the theme of NAIDOC Week 2025: ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’,” Ms Saffin said.
Locally, initiatives include:
- Tenterfield Local Aboriginal Education Group – Ngarrabul NAIDOC Festival: By showcasing the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal youth and Elders, fostering a sense of community pride, and promoting cultural understanding. NAIDOC Ball followed by a yarning circle day honouring Elders to share their wisdom and stories. Encourage young people to share their views for the future.
- Kyogle Family Support Services Incorporated – NAIDOC celebrations with the Muli Muli community: Elders, children, young people, and community benefit from celebrations shaped by community input. Funding supports children’s activities they wouldn’t otherwise access like obstacle courses, art and face painting – and a shared event that strengthens connection, celebrates culture, and brings everyone together in a safe, inclusive space.
- Nimbin NAIDOC Day 2025: A whole-of-community inclusive event to celebrate NAIDOC Week held during July in Nimbin, showcasing First Nations performers and artists, Bundjalung language game and NAIDOC Day quiz. Featuring a range of activities by/for the jarjums (children).
- NAIDOC Week with Northern United Rugby League Football Club: Northern United Rugby League games, played on the land of the Widjabul Wia-bal people, provides a well organised venue for all people to come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The all-day event provides meaningful activities for all ages to celebrate their culture.
- Legacy Wall: Strong Roots, Bold Futures: The Legacy Wall is a youth-led mural guided by a local Aboriginal artist, celebrating NAIDOC 2025. Unveiled at Northern Rivers Community Gateway, it reflects the theme, The Next Generation – Strength, Vision and Legacy through intergenerational stories of identity, culture, and hope for the future.
To find out more about the recipients and upcoming grant opportunities, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/noindex/2025-07/2025-naidoc-grants_successful-applicants.xlsx
