NAIDOC week is a special time in Australia, dedicated to celebrating the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, Momentum Collective participated in a variety of events to honour and celebrate NAIDOC Week.
This year’s theme, chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, was “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” with the event running from 7 July to 14 July. Momentum Collective engaged in a series of educational and engaging events across various locations in the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers regions.
Gold Coast Titans NAIDOC
Kicking off the week, our team held a stall at the Gold Coast community event hosted by the Gold Coast Titans. Held at CBUS Stadium in Robina, this event was filled with fun activities, with our rock painting station being a popular attraction. The community spirit and excitement were palpable, highlighted by a ceremonial Aboriginal dance and other cultural displays.
Casino Celebrations
Casino continued the celebrations with a march from the Casino Drill Hall, followed by a family fun day at the park. The fun day featured a free BBQ lunch, an Elders tent, live music, kids’ amusements and information stalls. The Oak Centre also hosted a fun movie afternoon, enjoyed by all attendees.
Ballina and Gold Coast
The Bunjum Aboriginal Corporation hosted a Jarjum’s touch football round-robin in Ballina, alongside other fun activities and a BBQ lunch. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Meanwhile, at the Gold Coast campus of Southern Cross University, special celebrations featured ceremonial dancing and other cultural displays.
Southern Cross University – Gold Coast and Lismore
We were one of the of many stalls at the Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Lismore campus events. Many university students, their family members and staff engaged with Momentum Collective to do some creative work at our rock painting station. Once again, we were witness to some memorable cultural displays and activities.
Tweed Heads NAIDOC Sports Day and Expo
Held in Tweed Heads, the NAIDOC Sports Day and Expo featured numerous stalls and activities. Participants enjoyed various sports and games, showcasing the importance of physical activity and community engagement.
March in The Park
The week culminated in the annual March in The Park, a powerful demonstration of unity and pride celebrating the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Mobs from New South Wales and Queensland marched through the streets, meeting at the border and continuing to the entertainment precinct in the park. Our team had a lot of fun cooking up a storm on the BBQ, feeding the hundreds of attendees celebrating NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Week was a fantastic celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, offering a time to learn, appreciate and connect with the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. We were proud to participate in these events and looks forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week every year. Let’s continue to honour and respect the cultures that make Australia unique and vibrant.
Photo Gallery
You can check out our photo gallery to see how Momentum Collective celebrated this special week!
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and pay respect to Ancestors, Elders both past, present and the emerging Jarjums.
