NAIDOC Week
08th July 2025
Today’s NAIDOC Week ceremony at Speers Point showcased a celebration of culture, community and connection. There was a smoking ceremony, traditional dance, flag raising ceremony but most importantly a song, sung in the critically endangered Awabakal language.
Lake Macquarie City Council's Aboriginal Community Development Officer Bindi Flook was the MC, with Uncle Gavi singing an amazing Awabakal song and the Juanita Dance group gracing the stage with traditional dances.
It was great to see strong support from the community and local leaders including Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz , Member for Charlestown The Hon. Jodie Harrison, Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr MP, Federal MP Pat Conroy, and Lake Macquarie Woman of the Year Astrid Hocking.
NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect, learn and honour the strength and legacy of First Nations peoples – and the next generation leading the way