One of the Inner West's biggest and most beloved NAIDOC celebrations is back in 2025, marking 50 years of NAIDOC Week with a day of culture, community and fun.
From 10 AM to 2 PM on Wednesday, 9 July, the AbSec NAIDOC Family Fun Day will return to Marrickville PCYC and Steel Park on Gadigal and Wangal land.
Welcoming over 2000 attendees in 2024, NAIDOC Family Fun Day is one of AbSec's most anticipated community events. With more than 50 stalls offering traditional cultural performances, interactive workshops and storytelling, local food and coffee stalls and Aboriginal arts and crafts, the free event offers something for all ages to enjoy.
"Bringing people together to celebrate the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is what the Family Fun Day is all about," said John Leha, a proud Birri Gubba, Wakka Wakka, and Tongan man and CEO of AbSec.
As the peak organisation dedicated to the welfare of Aboriginal children, young people and families in New South Wales, AbSec is committed to its vision: for all Aboriginal children and young people to be raised strong in spirit and identity. Through their advocacy for the rights of the youth and provision of crucial support for carers, they work to build thriving Aboriginal families and communities.
Mr Leha believes that this year's NAIDOC theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", resonates deeply with the heart of AbSec's work.
"We're here to safeguard and share the world's oldest living culture, and that begins with strengthening our children and young people through sharing generational knowledge, fostering connection, community, and celebration."
But the event is more than a celebration - it's an open invitation to learn, listen, and stand alongside First Nations communities in a space proudly celebrating their enduring cultures, communities and connection to Country.
"Family Fun Day is more than entertainment, it's about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and stories in a space led by mob, for mob, and open to all," Mr Leha said.
Register for free tickets online.