NAIDOC Week and the next generation  

June 27, 2025

CatholicCare is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 by amplifying the voices, stories, and aspirations of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. With stalls across the Diocese and cultural learning experiences in our vacation care services, this year’s celebrations are all about empowering the next generation of leaders – our young people who carry culture forward with pride, resilience and hope. To mark NAIDOC Week, we are participating in community events that bring people together in the spirit of connection and cultural celebration.  These include:

Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day

Tuesday 8 July | 10.00AM–3.00PM
Wyong Race Club, 71–73 Howarth Street, Wyong

This much-loved event is the longest-running NAIDOC celebration on the Central Coast, and CatholicCare is thrilled to return in 2025. The day promises something for everyone — with over 60 community and cultural stalls, live entertainment, and plenty of free, family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy. Be sure to stop by the CatholicCare stall to say hello, meet our team, and take part in the celebration. 

Mingaletta Community Celebration 

Friday 11 July | From 10.00AM
6 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach 

Further south, the Mingaletta Community Celebration brings the spirit of NAIDOC to Umina Beach. CatholicCare is proud to be part of this community event that honours the strength, creativity and heritage of First Nations peoples. The celebration features cultural stalls with Indigenous arts, crafts and storytelling, a kids’ corner, a live DJ, art displays, coffee vans and opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate culture together. 

Royal North Shore Hospital  

Wednesday 9 July | 11.00AM – 1.30PM
10 Westbourne St, St Leonards Kolling Forecourt (outside the Kolling institute) 

Macquarie Hospital

Thursday 10 July | 1.30PM – 3.30PM
Northern Sydney Education Centre Wicks Rd, North Ryde 

Hands-on learning in vacation care 

Throughout NAIDOC Week, Judith Murray, CatholicCare’s Community Engagement Manager, will lead immersive cultural experiences across several of our Children’s Services sites. Judith will visit: 

• Woy Woy OSHC 
• St Bernard’s Vacation Care 
• Lake Munmorah Vacation Care 

At each site, Judith will share stories, lead cultural cooking activities, and guide children through hands-on learning that fosters respect, curiosity and deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. “This year’s theme is all about celebrating our up and coming youth who are our future leaders,” says Judith.  

NAIDOC Week 2025 invites all Australians to recognise the promise and power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. It’s a call to action – to listen, support and walk beside the young people who will shape the future of their communities and this nation. At CatholicCare, we believe in the strength of young voices and the importance of cultural connection in building leadership. Whether through community celebrations, school-based programs, or simple conversations, this NAIDOC Week is a reminder that investing in our young people means investing in a more just, inclusive and vibrant future for all. Happy NAIDOC Week from everyone at CatholicCare! We look forward to celebrating with you!