The City of Greater Geelong is proud to present its projection
program at City Hall for NAIDOC Week (6-13 July).
This year, NAIDOC Week celebrates 50 years of honouring and
amplifying Indigenous voices, Culture and resilience. The
2025 theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,
highlighting achievements
of the past and the bright future ahead.
What began as a movement for recognition and rights has grown over
the decades into a powerful celebration and testament to the enduring strength
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Events will kick off
across Australia, inviting community members of all backgrounds to celebrate
the oldest, continuous living Cultures on earth.
Our colourful and thought-provoking projection program is set to
run from dusk to midnight from Friday 4 July – Sunday 13 July. The bold and
innovative artworks speak to the theme’s reflection of the ongoing connection
between past, present and future.
Adapted to large format projections, the presentation will feature
work from seven local First Nations artists and celebrates continuing
connection and care for Country. We are proud to continue supporting and
working with Nikki McKenzie (Wadawurrung), Chloe Chatterton (Wadawurrung),
Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung), Joshua James (Noongar Wardandi Boodja Moorditj
Kaadadjan), Jessi Muir (Wiradjuri), Michelle Searle (Awabakal), and Kiri Tawhai
(Whadjuk Noongar, Ngapuhi and Ngati Tuwharetoa).
Our Yarra Street Window
Gallery will present a powerful First Peoples Exhibition showcasing
the work of 12 First Nations artists, running until Monday 25 August. This
vibrant display celebrates Culture, Connection to Country, and Storytelling
through diverse mediums, offering a window into the strength and creativity of
local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. Open 24/7 on Yarra Street
(Market Square building) between Malop and Little Malop streets. Jessi Rebel, Thaedra Frangos, Nikki Whitfield, Yookapa, Idris WiKiri Tawhai, Murran Hub, Jenna Oldaker – Murrup Art, Joshua James, Michelle Searle and Maximillian Deutscher are featured.
The Cultural Education Tours
have been well received by the community since their launch this month and
continue during NAIDOC Week. Hosted by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners
Aboriginal Corporation, in partnership with the City, these facilitated walks
on Country led by a Traditional Owner showcase Heritage Sites, Art and
Cultural Landmarks with Storytelling and Truth Telling. The tours are free and
include light refreshments.
Bookings are essential for these experiences, with a limited
number of spots remaining for our final tour on Wednesday 16 July, 2 – 4 pm. This session will start at the Wadawurrung Corporation
Geelong office, before moving onto Johnstone Park, Djilang City, Corio Bay
Wangim Walk and Geelong Wool Museum.
We’re financially supporting Koori Kids’ NAIDOC Week School Initiative Competitions again which promote the growth of
positive attitudes in all students towards Aboriginal people. Eight schools in
Greater Geelong participated last year, with students from Fyans Park Primary
School and Northern Bay College winning NAIDOC Medals of Excellence and prizes.
We look forward to recognising this year’s recipients.
Our libraries across Greater Geelong are holding multiple Storytelling with Art sessions, providing 5-12 year olds the opportunity to listen to stories and
create their own, using First Nations symbols and modern elements. Limited
places are available.
There are several other events and activities happening across
Greater Geelong for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations people and
community members of all backgrounds, including:
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The projections on
City Hall will be vibrant and engaging for people of all ages.
We are proud to showcase these expressive works from local First
Nations artists through this project.
The projections are just one of the many ways community members
can celebrate NAIDOC Week and learn more about First Nations Cultures and
histories.
We are grateful for the contribution of Wadawurrung and First
Nations artists in sharing their important stories and Culture with our
community and visitors in celebration of NAIDOC Week.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
I encourage the local community to check
out the growing number of events in the calendar.
NAIDOC Week is a special time that provides an opportunity for
community members to connect deeply with our region’s Wadawurrung and First
Nations communities, their Culture and resilience.
These events and opportunities will be informative, educational,
family friendly and welcoming to allies who want to show their support.