NAIDOC Week 2025 (6-13 July) marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the collective vision of communities, and the enduring legacy that continues to guide and inspire generations.
To mark the occasion, we reached out to Aunty Donna Ingram, a local Aboriginal Elder, proud Wiradjuri woman, and good friend of ours. Born and raised on Gadigal land, Aunty Donna had a yarn with our staff, sharing stories, reflections, and insights on what NAIDOC Week means to her.
Over two days at our Blacktown and Surry Hills offices, Aunty Donna spoke about the history and significance of NAIDOC Week, and the challenges faced by her family and community throughout her life. She explored this year’s theme, reflecting on survival, cultural strength, and the importance of passing knowledge through generations.
She also shared a special photo of members of her family commemorating the Aboriginal Day of Mourning - the Indigenous response to Australia’s 150th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1938. This event marked the first national gathering of Indigenous people protesting against the prejudice and discrimination that was a daily part of their lives, and marked the beginning of the modern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander political movement.
With every story shared, every act of resilience remembered, and every cultural practice celebrated, we honour a legacy that reaches far into the past and extends into the future.
Australian Mutual Bank is grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and strengthening our connection with First Nations history and culture.
Find out more about NAIDOC Week and how you can get involved: https://www.naidoc.org.au/
