Raymond Terrace March to Mark Start of NAIDOC Celebrations

newy.com.au – Port Stephens will kick off its 2025 NAIDOC Week festivities with a vibrant community gathering and flag-raising ceremony in Raymond Terrace on Thursday, 3 July. The early start gives local students the chance to join in the celebrations before the school holidays begin, with a ceremonial march along William Street at 10am, followed by cultural activities and family entertainment at Riverside Park from 11am.

This year’s NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, pays tribute to the leadership and resilience of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while also honouring the legacy of those who came before. Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said the event is a meaningful moment for the community to come together in solidarity with First Nations peoples.

“NAIDOC Week is a time to listen, learn and celebrate,” Mayor Anderson said. “Each year, I’m inspired by the energy of our local community, by our Elders who guide with wisdom, and by the younger generation who carry culture forward with strength and pride. This celebration is about standing together, recognising the past, and looking ahead to the future with hope and respect.”

The Council has extended an open invitation to the broader community to attend the event, which will feature music, cultural performances, stalls and children’s activities. “I encourage everyone to come along, get involved, and celebrate the world’s oldest living culture in the heart of our community,” Mayor Anderson said.

Port Stephens Council also reaffirmed its recognition of the Worimi people as the traditional custodians of the land. A full program of NAIDOC Week events, running from 6 to 13 July, is available at pscouncil.info/naidoc-2025.