NAIDOC Festival 2025 - The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
Souths Cares hosted its’ annual NAIDOC Festival yesterday with a huge crowd of over 3,000 guests attending Heffron Park to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.
This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ which celebrates the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.
Formal proceedings commenced with a beautiful Welcome to Country from Aunty Barb Simms who is a proud Bidjigal and Gweagal Elder, followed by a Smoking Ceremony by proud Yuin/Wailwan man, Uncle Dean Kelly.
Emphasising the importance and cultural significance of NAIDOC Week, South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly and Randwick City Council Mayor Dylan Parker highlighted the enduring partnership between the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Souths Cares and Randwick City Council in delivering the annual NAIDOC Festival at Heffron Park since 2015.
The festival featured a talented line-up of performances, hosted by the engaging Luke Carroll as the event's MC. Cultural performances included Uncle Mat Doyle & Josh Sly, Brolga Dance Academy, Thikkabilla Vibrations, the Glen for Men Dancers, and the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers — all of whom played an integral role in celebrating and showcasing culture through dance, music, and storytelling.
There was plenty of activities for children and families throughout the day, with shell painting, weaving workshops, art workshops, sharing of Aboriginal artefacts, airbrush tattoos, haircuts & beauty pampering, hair braiding, amusement rides, a NAIDOC League-Tag Competition and appearances from the Rabbitohs first grade squad.
Alisha Parker-Elrez, Souths Cares CEO explained this year's NAIDOC theme aligns closely with the charity’s vision.
Alisha Parker-Elrez, Souths Cares CEOOur NAIDOC Festival was a powerful celebration of culture, connection, and community—a day filled with joy, pride, and purpose. This year’s theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ deeply reflects the heart of what Souths Cares stands for. Through our transformational programs, we don’t just celebrate this vision during NAIDOC Week—we live it every day.
The event was proudly supported by Randwick City Council, National Indigenous Australians Agency, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and The University of Sydney.
A special thanks to Vinnies, the Feel Good Project, NIDA, Franky & Co. and Bodyfit for their generous donations and meaningful contributions to the success of the Souths Cares NAIDOC Festival.
