How to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC Week

The Territory’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister Steve Edgington is urging Territorians to take the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during said this year’s NAIDOC week.

NT Aboriginal Affairs Minister Steve Edgington is urging Territorians to take the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during said this year’s NAIDOC week. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The Territory’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister Steve Edgington is urging Territorians to take the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during said this year’s NAIDOC week.

Mr Edgington promised NAIDOC events “from the Top End down to the Red Centre and everywhere in between”.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to share stories, history, and culture, and I hope all Territorians can find a celebration or activity in their hometown to participate in,” Mr Edgington said.

“This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy, celebrates and acknowledges the vital role that community leaders and Elders play in empowering younger generations.”

What’s on for NT NAIDOC Week?

Celebrations kick off in Alice Springs on Monday, 7 July with the Flag Raising and March through the Todd Mall, followed by a Community Expo.

Other events include a Culture and Family Day, Fun Run and Mparntwe NAIDOC Ball including the NAIDOC Awards presentations.

Katherine’s celebrations start with the Kalano NAIDOC Family Fun Day event including sporting competitions, cultural dancers, smoking ceremony, stallholders, kids’ activities and BBQ lunch on Wednesday, 9 July.

Highlights in Tennant Creek include the NAIDOC March and Community Awards, Elders Lunch, a Family Fun Day and the NAIDOC Ball throughout the week.

Over In East Arnhem, NAIDOC events kick off in Yirrkala with a community BBQ and activities, including cultural stalls and traditional dancers, and down in Uluru, Voyages Indigenous Tourism has a week-long program to honour the traditional owners.

In Darwin and Palmerston, community events will be held all week, starting with Sunday’s 2025 Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival at the Territory Rugby League Stadium in Marrara. 

City of Darwin will hold the NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony and Breakfast on Larrakia country on Monday, 7 July, with Palmerston City Council diving into NAIDOC Week with a fun-filled Pool Party in the afternoon.

The NAIDOC 2025 Darwin Gala Ball and Awards ceremony wraps up events in Darwin on 12 July.