National NAIDOC week will again be celebrated in northern Adelaide this year, after the resounding success of the NAIDOC in the North event last year cemented its position on Playford's annual event calendar.
Held on Wednesday 9 July at the John McVeity Centre at Smithfield Plains, the event will celebrate NAIDOC week, recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.
NAIDOC in the North will commence with a Welcome to Country and attendees can expect to be immersed in performances, live music, cultural workshops, as well as access to information from stallholders, chat around a firepit and visit spaces for yarning and connection.
NAIDOC in the North committee member Amy Godfrey from City of Playford, said the event
aims to bring the northern community together to connect and share in the oldest, continuous living culture and recognise the resilience and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"This year's NAIDOC theme is 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy' which aims to showcase and honour the strength and legacy of ancestors, and build a future led by the courage and vision of young, emerging leaders."
"NAIDOC in the North provides a space to amplify local Aboriginal voices, talents and stories, encouraging the next generation to carry forward the flame, sharing culture with pride," Ms Godfrey said.
"This event would not be possible without the partnership of fellow committee organisation the Playford/Salisbury Connected Beginnings team and sponsorship contributions from the Northern Area Community & Youth Services, Life Without Barriers, Uniting Communities, Nunkuwarrin Yunti, the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Baptist Care and Aboriginal Community Services."
The Department for Education are also playing a valuable role, supporting with event planning and coordinating local student volunteer involvement - providing young people with a meaningful opportunity to gain experience and contribute to their community.
Playford's Northern Sound System (NSS) is also proud to support this year's NAIDOC in the North event, further helping to celebrate culture, creativity and community through the power of the arts.
An incredible lineup of artists will hit the stage, including Katie Aspel, Nancy Bates & Leni Garrido, and Sonz of Serpent- whose voices carry strength, story and spirit.
NSS is proud to support the next generation of artists, with a performance from Playford International College dance students bringing powerful energy to the local event.
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said with just over 4 per cent of the Playford population identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, it is important to provide events which encourage community connection through shared values and traditions, storytelling and cultural performances.
"Council plays a pivotal role in supporting community wellbeing. Through collaboration with other organisations, we can continue to support events which meet the community's needs and assist with building community pride," Mayor Docherty said.
"NAIDOC in the North is a platform for the community to come together, engage in dialogue and build strong community connections."
This year's event Gold Sponsor is Northern Area Community & Youth Services (NACYS). Interim Chief Executive Officer Ann-Marie Hayes said NACYS is a long-standing community service in the north and values Playford's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community culture, visibility and, voices of families and community.
"This year's NAIDOC theme is especially relevant and important to support as we work with and walk alongside Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families. We honour past achievements of Aboriginal people in the northern community and are here to support and value the next generation of leaders," Ms Hayes said.
"We support the event as it allows the northern Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community to celebrate themselves and showcase their culture in their own community."
NAIDOC in the North is a FREE ticketed event.
- Date: Wednesday 9 July, 10am - 2pm
- Location: John McVeity Centre, 182 Peachey Rd, Smithfield Plains
- Bookings: Attendees are required to book a ticket for the FREE event at: NAIDOC in the NORTH 2025 Tickets, Wed 09/07/2025 at 10:00 am | Eventbrite
