Strength, Vision and Legacy: Walgett Shire Launches NAIDOC Week
Published on 07 July 2025
Walgett Shire Council officially launched NAIDOC Week 2025 with an opening ceremony held on Monday 7 July on the lawn of the Council Chambers.
This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, holds particular significance, marking 50 years since the formal observance of NAIDOC Week began. The theme recognises the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the importance of nurturing young leaders for the decades to come.
Deputy Mayor Greg Rummery served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the event and delivering a speech on behalf of Council in which he said:
“The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy reminds us that our young people hold the future in their hands, guided by the wisdom of Elders, the strength of community and the legacy of those who came before.”
Welcome to Country was performed by North West Region State Land Council, Councillor Anne Dennis, who spoke powerfully to the heart of this year’s theme.
“It is about remembering where we have come from 50 years on and how we are supporting the Next Generation – our young people, their strength and what will be their Legacy for the next 50 years,” she said.
Ms Dennis later returned to the stage alongside Ms Bianca Henry and Izaiyah Gibbs. Ms Henry delivered a heartfelt address, drawing from her own experiences:
“I am strong because of my resilience – it means no matter what bad things happen, you get back up and keep going. This town has resilience too.”
The flags were raised by Gail Simpson, Aunty Faye Green, Councillor Doreen Peters, and Ms Dennis.
To close the ceremony, the official NAIDOC cake was cut by Deputy Mayor Rummery and Ms Dennis. Clr Rummery encouraged all attendees to take part in the week’s activities across the Shire and “connect with the culture in every corner of our region.”
Walgett Shire Council extends its sincere thanks to the NAIDOC Committee and Council’s Manager of Community Services, Sandra Bladen, for their work in making this event and others across the Shire possible. A very special thank you to Ms Anne Dennis, Ms Bianca Henry, and Izaiyah Gibbs for their contributions to the opening ceremony.
A further media release will follow the conclusion of NAIDOC Week events.