Bass Coast is ready to celebrate National NAIDOC Week 2025 with a full program of events and celebrations planned.

NAIDOC celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone of 50 years of honouring and elevating First Nations voices, culture, and resilience. The theme of Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities and legacy of Ancestors.

This year, First Nations Community members, Bass Coast Reconciliation Network and Bass Coast Cultural Venues are presenting a coordinated program of events and invite everyone to get involved and join the celebrations, learning and fun.

2025 NAIDOC Art Exhibition

ArtSpace Wonthaggi comes alive with a showcase of artworks by 13 First Nations artists of Bass Coast.

"This year celebrates 50 years of honouring the culture, creativity and resilience of First Nations People throughout Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," said Mary Mutsaers, exhibition organiser.

Everyone is invited to visit the gallery, meet the artists and experience a traditional Welcome to Country on Saturday July 5, 1pm - 3 pm.

The exhibition runs until Sunday July 20 with a virtual exhibition running in tandem at www.naidoc-art.com.au

Details: ArtSpace Wonthaggi, Centennial Centre, 1 Bent Street, Wonthaggi. Phone 03 5672 5767.

FREE Ngangga Festival

Experience the very first 'Ngangga; on Milawul (Phillip Island)! Ngangga means to hear, to understand, to listen in Boonwurrung language. The free event will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Then enjoy First Nations stalls, community organisations, musicians and artists coming together to celebrate culture through fun activities, games, live music, deadly (great) information and support, arts, crafts and more.

It will be a treat to see acclaimed First Nations artists Candice Lorrae and Fonzie (Paul) Patten performing as part of the free festival along with local business WKY

Events running cultural games and Patrice Mahoney from Create1Co running an art activity.

Candice is a multi-talented singer-songwriter and music producer, born on the ancestral lands of the Larrakia and now lives in Naarm on Kulin Country and notably recognised for her contributions with the iconic pop duo, The Merindas.

Details: Sunday July 6, 12pm - 5pm. Berninneit, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.

Uncle Kutcha Edwards

Multi-award winner Kutcha uses his mesmeric music to create connections across cultures, generations, and spaces. His charismatic stage presentations deepen our understanding of Australia's first people.

As a respected Elder and survivor from the Stolen Generations, a Kutcha Edwards live experience takes you on a journey with stories from his life, that segue so eloquently into each other. This show is close to sell out - join the wait list for tickets if you miss out.

Details: Sunday July 6 - 7.30pm. Berninneit, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.

Catching the Light

Eight local First Nations artists will be showcased in the Catching the Light exhibition, lighting up the Union Theatre in Wonthaggi and Berninneit in Cowes for NAIDOC Week.

Hosted by Bass Coast/South Gippsland Reconciliation Group who work toward further reconciliation between First Nations and non-First Nations Australians and educating themselves and the community about Aboriginal history and culture.

Birds and Fred Leone supported by Fonzie

The Birdz and Fred Leone collaboration builds on the success of their hit single Bagi-La-m Bargan. Between them they have collaborated and toured with the likes of

Public Enemy, Missy Higgins, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, Dead Prez, Amanda Palmer and many more iconic artists. They will be supported by Fonzie - a proud, local

Gunai man with music in his blood.

Details: Saturday July 5 - 7.30pm, The Union Theatre, 96 Graham Street, Wonthaggi.

Maree Clarke Yawa Long Journey

A tribute to culture and community, renowned artist Maree Clarke's latest masterpiece Yawa (Long Journey) is now suspended overhead in the grand hall at Berninneit in Cowes.

This captivating artwork comprises 30 intricately crafted Murrini glass panels forming a breathtaking glass canoe.

The artwork melds traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision whilst highlighting the delicate play of light and colour inspired by the surrounding wetlands and ocean.

Maree is a celebrated First Nations artist of Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, and Boon Wurrung heritage and brings her profound cultural insight and collaborative creations to Yawa.

Steven Ulula Parker: Wareeny Ngulu - Ocean Voice

Don't miss this stunning, free exhibition of new work by Millowl artist - Steven Ulula Parker. Uncle Steve is a descendant of the Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta, and Erub peoples and is an artist, surfer and leading cultural educator.

This immersive exhibition combines painting, traditional objects, and songline audio recordings. Steve's work brings together ceremonial and contemporary practices, that invite audiences to connect to the nature of Millowl as a place of healing.

Details: Berninneit Art Gallery until July 20. Free entry. 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.

Bass Coast Shorts: 2025 NAIDOC Week First Nations Screening

An afternoon of short films created by First Nations' artists from around the world.

The series of narrative and documentary films are by and about First Nations peoples both in Australia and around the world. 

Details: Sunday July 13 - 2pm, The Union Theatre, 96 Graham Street, Wonthaggi.

Keep up to date with the latest information at www.basscoastculturalvenues.com and www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/reconciliation