Community
13 August, 2025
NAIDOC Week huge success
ANOTHER successful NAIDOC Week has been celebrated across the nation recently and there’s been no better place to observe and enjoy this cultural event than in the Douglas Shire.
NAIDOC has been observed as a week-long event since 1975 and each year has a different topic.
It celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is observed, not just in Indigenous Australian communities, but also in increasing numbers of schools, local councils and workplaces.
This year’s Douglas Shire NAIDOC celebrations were held two weeks after the official National NAIDOC Week, which took place between July 6 and 13, during the school holidays. The reason for this time change was to allow school groups to take part after their recent break.
As with many local events, this colourful week of activities was made possible through the dedication of local community groups, Elders, artists and educators who came together to share culture, knowledge and connection. Mossman Support Services Youth Centre also played a key role in coordinating events intended to bring all corners of the community together.
School children also played their part, most evident during Monday’s street parade along Front St in Mossman.
Locals and visitors lined the street from the start at Mossman State High School right up to the finish point at George Davis Park, traditionally known as Bubu Kinkari.
Once arriving, people could further enjoy ‘NAIDOC in the Park’ with market stalls, entertainment, activities and a community barbecue.
With this year’s theme being ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, day one began with a flag raising ceremony by Elders and students. The morning also included a ‘Welcome To Country’, words from the mayor and Elders, a cake cutting, plus locals coming together from all sides of the community to honour the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. People also reflected on their commitment to cultural continuity, youth engagement and enduring contributions in the community.
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre Market, which featured on Wednesday July 30, was described by the organisers as a more serene day, where local artists and stallholders could showcase NAIDOC-inspired creations in a vibrant celebration of culture and community.
The markets enabled both locals and visitors to the Shire, who were looking for some retail therapy, to enjoy and buy slocal Indigenous items.
An Elders’ lunch followed where all-comers were invited to enjoy a traditional Kurma (ground oven) hot and healthy meal.
Overall, the week was regarded, by both organisers and those simply attending, as a huge success.
Time to start planning my outfit for the 2026 street parade I think, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
