2025 marks fifty years of NAIDOC Week, a milestone worth pausing for. It’s a time to celebrate how far we’ve come and to listen to the voices guiding what comes next.
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. What began as a day of protest in 1938 has grown into a proud and powerful movement grounded in truth-telling and cultural pride.
This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, honours the leaders of the past while shining a light on the young people shaping what’s next.
One of the voices I’ve learned from is Renee McNamara, our Branch Manager in Nelson Bay and a member of our Castle Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.
While Renee isn’t Indigenous, her life has been shaped by deep cultural connection. Since the age of five, she’s been raised, supported and loved by three proud Wiradjuri women from Gunguddy Country (Mudgee). She carries their stories, continues their practices and celebrates the strength of her cultural heritage.
Renee (top left) with her three Aunties, proud Wiradjuri women from Gunguddy Country (Mudgee).
When I asked Renee what this year’s NAIDOC Week theme means to her, she shared:
“This theme highlights the importance of intergenerational knowledge. I think about how my own values, my resilience and my identity have been shaped by my three Aunties’ teachings and lived experiences."
Renee kayaking in Gunguddy Country.
My family carry stories and continue practices that have been handed down for many generations. For example, every year we return to Gunguddy to connect to Country and have Corroborees for those family members who have passed to Dreamtime. During this time, we add additional markings to the family’s possum cloak, which records our stories, significant events and connections to Country and community. It is a living document of our identity and cultural heritage. 
The family possum cloak, with markings showing the family’s stories and the members who’ve passed to Dreamtime.
These lessons from the past are tools that guide my leadership today – and they make me reflect on the kind of legacy we’re building for those who come after us.
I see it as my responsibility to continue to share what has been passed to me, and to help the next generation feel confident, seen and proud in their identity and leadership.”
Renee also shared the cultural practice that anchors her leadership every day: Yarning.
“Yarning isn’t just about having a chat. It’s a respectful relational way of sharing stories, listening deeply and building trust. It reminds me to slow down and listen, not just with my ears but with my heart and spirit.”
That’s what stayed with me the most. The reminder that leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice or the right answers. It’s about how we show up, how we make space and how we honour the voices around us.
Renee’s words speak for themselves. And during NAIDOC Week (and beyond), I hope we can all take the time to listen in the same way – deeply, openly and with heart.
Happy NAIDOC Week.