A community cultural celebration and flag raising ceremony in Raymond Terrace will launch the 2025 NAIDOC Week activities across Port Stephens on Thursday 3 July.
This year’s national NAIDOC Week theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, honours the powerful contributions of past generations while celebrating the leadership and resilience of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Port Stephens Council Mayor, Leah Anderson says the event is an opportunity for the community to come together and walk alongside local Aboriginal leaders and young people.
“NAIDOC Week is a time to listen, learn and celebrate,” Mayor Anderson said.
“Each year, I’m inspired by the energy of our local community, by our Elders who guide with wisdom, and by the younger generation who carry culture forward with strength and pride.
“This celebration is about standing together, recognising the past, and looking ahead to the future with hope and respect.”
The Port Stephens NAIDOC week celebrations are starting early in Raymond Terrace, on Thursday 3 July, allowing local students to attend and participate before the school holidays begin. Events will begin at 10am with a flag raising ceremony and march down William Street, followed by a family fun day of cultural celebration at Riverside Park from 11am.
“I encourage everyone to come along, get involved, and celebrate the world’s oldest living culture in the heart of our community,” Mayor Anderson said.
Port Stephens Council acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together, the Council said in a statement.
For the complete program of activities happening in Port Stephens this NAIDOC Week from 6 to 13 July, visit pscouncil.info/naidoc-2025.
