Council Celebrates NAIDOC Week 2025
Published on 30 June 2025
In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2025, Council will be holding a collaborative art exhibition at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre from 8 – 15 July.
The 2025 NAIDOC Week theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’. This celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
In celebration of the 2025 NAIDOC theme, Council is collaborating with local schools, early learning centres and their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to deliver an art exhibition, ‘Our Faces, Our Future, Our Mob’. The exhibition will showcase Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students’ self-portraits or portraits of a role model in their life, portraying strength, vision and legacy.
Acting Mayor Cr Ben Fry said NAIDOC Week is a time to honour and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations.
“This year’s exhibition invites young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Bathurst to tell stories, honour individuals and express identity,” said Cr Fry.
‘Our Faces, Our Future, Our Mob’ will be displayed in the Wattle Foyer of Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) from Tuesday 8 July – Tuesday 15 July 2025 during BMEC opening hours. Community members visiting the exhibition will have the opportunity to complete their own portrait for the exhibition’s Visitor Wall.
An opening night for the exhibition will be held on Tuesday 8 July from 5 - 7pm at BMEC. Community members are invited to attend the official opening event, with grazing tables and family photography available.
Council acknowledges that ‘Our Faces, Our Future, Our Mob’ has been created on Wiradjuri Country by young people representing different homelands.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer