For five decades, NAIDOC Week has amplified the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who proudly, and unapologetically, called for truth, celebrated culture and honoured resistance.

This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, pays tribute to the enduring strength of those who built the movement and refused to be silenced, as well as the emerging leaders who continue the fight for justice today.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, City Hall will be lit up with traditional and contemporary artwork from nine First Nations artists living and working on Wadawurrung Country.

The featured artists include Chloe Chatterton (Wadawurrung), Nikkie McKenzie (Wadawurrung), Tracey Pocock (Wurundjeri Yorta Yorta), Michelle Searle (Awabakal), Billy Jay (BJ) O’Toole (Wadawurrung), Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung), Jessi Rebel (Wiradjuri), Kiri Tawhai (Noongar, Ngapuhi and NgatiTuwharetoa) and Matthew Chatterton (Wadawurrung).

The projections will run from dusk to 11.00pm during NAIDOC Week.

The ‘Celebrating First Nations Artists’ exhibition continues at the City’s Yarra Street Window Gallery, transforming the Market Square building into a 24/7 art experience between Malop and Little Malop streets.

Featuring artists Jess McDonald, Tracey Pocock, Dr Deanne Gilson, Michelle Searle, Moreen Wellington-Lyons, Djamari Hunter and Lowell Hunter (Salty One), Kiri Tawhai and Jessi Rebel, the windows engage passersby with living culture and explore themes like Country, female resilience, seasons and family.

There are several other events and activities happening across Greater Geelong for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations people and community members of all backgrounds, including:

• 50 Years of Deadly flag raising event on Monday 6 July, 11am – 2pm at Booln Booln Cultural Centre in Grovedale 
• A sunrise ceremony on Wadawurrung Sea Country on Monday 6 July, 7.15am in Barwon Heads 
• National Wool Museum’s Interwoven: Fibre Art and Fashion exhibition features Wadawurrung artists Tammy Gilson, Deanne Gilson and Kait James, as well as emerging First Nations designer Corin Corcoran. Exhibition ends 12 July. 
• Platforms Arts' Yarrangany is a collective exhibition by Proud Wiradjuri person Jessi Rebel that honours the deep, living foundations that shape First Nations identities across the world. Exhibitions ends 11 July.  
• Geelong United Basketball First Nations Round at the Geelong Arena on Saturday 11 July from 5pm.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

The projections on City Hall are a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity of First Nations artists while encouraging community members to recognise the strength and self-determination at the heart of NAIDOC Week.

This is an opportunity for people of all ages to experience stories and perspectives that have been shared across generations.

We’re proud to have worked with local First Nations artists, and we’re grateful to them for sharing their important stories and culture with our community as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Deputy Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships portfolio Councillor Ron Nelson 

NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Whether you’re attending a NAIDOC Week event for the first time, or you’ve celebrated for many years, local participation helps to strengthen relationships and create a more connected and inclusive community.