July 9, 2025This week, 6-13 July, is NAIDOC Week, a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At Northern Health, we join this national celebration by recognising the contributions of First Nations leaders and Elders, past and present, and by creating space to learn, reflect and walk together.
This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, invites us to honour the resilience of those who came before us, the strength of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today, and the promise of future generations. It speaks to a future shaped by the courage, creativity and leadership of young people empowered by cultural knowledge and community strength.
“I see the next generation stepping up every day – strong in culture, proud of who they are, and ready to lead. At Northern Health, we have a role to play in making sure they’re supported to thrive, not just survive,” says Natalie Bloomfield (Gunaikurnai), Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Educator, Northern Health.
NAIDOC Week reminds us that our strength as Aboriginal people comes from those who walked before us – and that same strength now lives in our young ones. It’s our responsibility to keep that fire burning,” adds Toni Gabelish Gangulu / Yiman, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Aboriginal Support Unit, Northern Health.
Throughout NAIDOC Week, NAIDOC-themed displays inspired by this year’s theme will be on show across all Northern Health sites, including the Northern Health Library, which also features a curated online collection of resources for staff.
Staff are encouraged to participate in NAIDOC activities, including walking alongside the Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit in the NAIDOC March on Friday, 11 July, a meaningful opportunity to stand in solidarity and celebrate culture and community.
Today, staff attended the Seymour NAIDOC Celebrations, beginning with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and followed by a vibrant parade through the community to Kings Park.
Tomorrow, Thursday 10 July, a special NAIDOC Grand Round will be held featuring guest speaker Dr Janelle Francis, a respected General Practitioner with over 30 years of clinical experience and current GP at an Aboriginal Health Service. Click here to join.
For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, a NAIDOC Staff Quiz will run until 12 July, offering a chance to test your knowledge and win exciting prizes. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 16 July.
This week offers more than a calendar of events. It is a chance to listen, learn, and commit to a stronger, more inclusive future. We encourage all staff to take part in the celebrations, connect with community, and reflect on what it means to support the next generation of First Nations leaders at Northern Health.
“For me, NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect on our legacy, acknowledge the resilience of our Elders, and honour the vision our young people are shaping. We stand on the shoulders of giants – and now we’re lifting the next ones up,” says Andrew Morrison Gunditjmara, Acting Manager, Aboriginal Support Unit, Northern Health.
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Sherrilyn Ballard, Consumer Participation Cordinator, Yue Hu, Director, TALS and ASU, Northern Health and Caroline Dunnet, ACAS at the Seymour NAIDOC Week celebrations.
