Bridge walk will be back for NAIDOC Week 2025
NAIDOC celebrations will begin next week with an annual bridge walk kicking off on Monday morning.
Murray Bridge will once again host an annual bridge walk, among other activities, for NAIDOC Week next week.
The week-long national event is held from July 6-13 to honour the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge will host the bridge walk at 9.30am on Monday, July 7, starting at the east end of the old road bridge; followed by an awards ceremony in recognition of Australia’s First Nations people.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is "the next generation: strength, vision and legacy".
It celebrates not only past achievements but also recognises the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
It also marks 50 years of NAIDOC week, highlighting the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Other activities in the Murraylands will include:
- NAIDOC at the gallery: 10am-1pm Tuesday, July 8 at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, with a smoke ceremony, markets, free snacks and exhibition opening
- Family fun day: 10am-2pm Wednesday, July 9 at Murray Bridge Showground, with live music, 3x3 basketball, a barbecue and a colour fun run
- Darts night: From 5pm Thursday, July 10 at Murray Bridge Darts Club
- Movie screening: 5pm Friday, July 11 at the Square Community Centre
Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley said NAIDOC Week was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and loved ones,” he said.
“NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to unite with our local First Nations community to show our support and celebrate together.
"Through our local events, our community can learn more about our First Nations history, celebrate their achievements and honour one of the oldest living cultures on our planet.
“The annual walk across the bridge is symbolic of bridging the divide between cultures and people in the community.
"Together we work towards healing.
“Our annual NAIDOC Week awards ceremony shines a spotlight on the contributions and achievements of our First Nations community members and is always a highlight of the week’s celebrations.”
The bridge walk will begin at 9.30am on the east side of the bridge, flowing through town to the Local Government Centre for the awards ceremony at 10am.
Everyone is invited to be part of the celebrations and join in the morning tea after the formal proceedings.
- More information: Visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au or follow Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Empowered Communities on Facebook.
