NAIDOC Week 2025 is set to celebrate the theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,’ as First Nations Australians come together to honor their cultural heritage and acknowledge the challenges faced by their communities. Artist Jeremy Morgan Worrall has created the amazing art for this year’s events. As an Ngarbal Gamilaraay artist, his powerful designs are steeped in cultural significance and represent a spirit of resilience and connection to ancestors.
NAIDOC Week originally began as a very radical protest movement. Its original intent was to draw attention to the discriminatory laws and social injustices endured by First Nations people. The movement’s history can be followed all the way back to 1938 when Aboriginal activists organized a ‘Day of Mourning’ in Sydney. This historic event culminated in more than 1,000 residential school survivors marching to demand acknowledgment of their rights and their concerns. From the very first rally, the annual in-district event has blossomed. It first moved to July in the 1950s and officially became a week-long celebration in 1975.
In 1991, NAIDOC Week broadened its scope. Today, it commemorates, learns from and celebrates the rich cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This week, we’re sharing tools to get smart about schools. We hope to build knowledge and respect for Indigenous cultures among future generations.
The week culminates with a glittering nationally televised awards ceremony. This annual celebration of First Nations citizen recognizes the extraordinary work of First Nations innovators, achievers and leaders. This year, Michael Long, an influential activist and AFL legend, received the National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to advocating for Indigenous rights.
After six years of applied pressure, Jeremy Morgan Worrall’s artwork has been selected as the official artwork for NAIDOC Week. His hard work and skill has been rewarded at last! His design demonstrates that same dedication to protecting our history while opening pathways for visions of the future.
“What I wanted to try and show was that you can’t really move forward without acknowledging the past and being aware of others that came before you that allowed you to be where you are today,” – Jeremy Morgan Worrall
For many, Worrall’s artwork stood as a symbol of the strength and vision necessary to move through today’s challenges that Indigenous youth are looking to overcome. The theme, because of you, highlights the incredible contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Unfortunately, this population is disproportionately represented in jails and detention centers.
Professor Lynette Riley, the chair of Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies at the University of Sydney, emphasised the importance of community engagement. She feels it is of the utmost importance for truly engaging with Indigenous cultures.
“So it is that personal interaction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at local regional and state level that is just so vital,” – Professor Riley
NAIDOC Week is a wonderful opportunity to engage and reflect on this important cultural heritage. In reality, it explodes with culture via concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and sports matches across all the major cities. These virtual events are designed to empower Indigenous voices and highlight their extensive impact on society.
Since learning he’d been selected to design this year’s poster, Worrall said, “It’s definitely something to be proud of to have been chosen. He looked back on his experience in the competition and spoke about the role of family support in his life as an artist.
“I’ve been in this competition every year for the past six years and this year I’ve been chosen. And it just felt like such an honour,” – Jeremy Morgan Worrall
Sadly, the narrative around Indigenous youth continues to be a toxic one—especially as they’re depicted in such a dangerous way in popular media. To that end, Professor Riley emphasized the importance of focusing on their strengths and understanding their capabilities.
“The things we were really distressed about is the way our youth is constantly diminished and demeaned in the media,” – Professor Riley
She further noted, “They are our future leaders, they are our legacy, and we want you to understand that.”
While much was achieved during NAIDOC Week celebrations, the fight is far from over. Riley was clear that Indigenous Australians are on the forefront of fighting for equity and fighting for recognition. They all work to better education, health, and human rights.
“We still do not have the equity and understanding in this country for Indigenous people,” – Professor Riley
