DARWIN, NT

As a Saltwater woman from the Yanyuwa Garrwa people I pay my respects to the Larrakia, whose lands we are gathered on.

It’s good to be here with you all, families and friends, coming together to celebrate but also to remind us of what is still before us.

We celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week. Half a century of honouring our cultures, our resilience and our stories through this week of celebration.

It is a powerful reminder of who we are, where we’ve come from and the strength that keeps us going.

The Albanese Labor Government is investing an additional $4.8 million to strengthen local health services in remote East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.

The funding, made available through the Aboriginal Benefits Account, will refurbish the Ngalkanbuy Wellness Centre in Galiwin’ku.

The upgrade will help support better health outcomes for Yolngu families.

To mark the anniversary of the Aboriginal flag being flown for the first time and as Australians celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, the Albanese Government has proudly launched a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags education portal.

The portal is a place to learn more about the meaning, history and significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags which represent the world’s oldest continuing cultures.

The Aboriginal flag was designed by Luritja artist Mr Harold Thomas and was first raised on this day in 1971.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to build a safer New South Wales for Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence by investing $3.8 million in a first-ever domestic and family violence specific Aboriginal Community Safety Grant program.

Subjects: Northern Territory Coroner findings, First Nations deaths in custody, Justice Reinvestment, NAIDOC Week.

Subjects: NAIDOC Week, Northern Territory Coroner findings, Yoorrook Commission, East Melbourne Synagogue attack

BRIDGET BRENNAN, HOST: Let's get more on some of the big stories around the country, including the National NAIDOC Week Awards. The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy joins us now from Parliament House. A very happy NAIDOC Week to you, Minister.

TRISH COOK MP, MEMBER FOR BULLWINKEL: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. Today we are honouring John Curtin on 80 years since his passing. John Curtin was one of Australia's best prime ministers, and we're here at his home here to see how he lived in those times. As you know, he led Australia through World War II. I'm Trish Cook. I'm the Federal Member for Bullwinkel, and I'm here today with Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman. The electorate of Bullwinkel is also named after, World War II great Australian, Vivian Bullwinkel.

"His country was his pride
His brother man his cause."

These simple words from John Curtin’s tombstone explain why we gather to pay thanks to his leadership. Recognised locally and globally, granted freedom of the City of London, honorary Doctor of the University of Cambridge, Member of the Privy Council. But it was Australia that was his cause. Serving as Australia’s Prime Minister his greatest honour. And here at 24 Jarrad Street, Cottesloe he built the path for himself and for Australia.

As his daughter Elsie Macleod recalled:

Ahead of NAIDOC Week (6 – 13 July 2025), the dedication of the Masigilgal Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has today been celebrated with a ceremony on Masig Island in the Torres Strait - locking in traditional land and sea management practices and local jobs.

The new IPA is located within the Kulkalgal nation of the central Torres Strait region, Queensland, and covers 245 hectares of land across 11 uninhabited coral cays and islands.

Good evening, everyone.

As a Yanyuwa Garrwa woman from Borroloola I wish to pay my respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands we are gathered on, the Whadjuk Nyoongar people.

I am so pleased to be with you all for the National NAIDOC Awards.

NAIDOC Week 2025 marks an extraordinary milestone this year – 50 years.

What began in 1975 as a small grassroots movement for recognition and rights has evolved into an annual, week-long celebration of the world’s oldest continuing culture.