Honouring legacy and looking to the future.
 

Sydney Local Health District marked NAIDOC Week 2025 with a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, heritage and community at a special event at Gladstone Park, outside Balmain Hospital. This year’s event was particularly significant, marking the 50th anniversary of the first NAIDOC Week and honouring the theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. 

The event brought together staff, community members and guests in a celebration of culture, history and shared aspirations for the future. It opened with a Welcome to Country from Michael West of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, followed by a smoking ceremony and dance performance by the Sydney Harbour Elders Aboriginal Dance Group. 

Two highlights of the event were powerful addresses delivered by two proud young Dharug women, Ms Caitlyn Joseph and Ms Aleyah Joseph, who shared their personal stories in line with this year’s theme. 
 

Caitlyn Joseph, an Aboriginal Student Support Officer at a local high school, spoke of the strength of the women in her family and the legacy they had passed on. 

“I am the legacy of my grandmothers that came before me, and they are part of the legacy that I will leave behind,” she said. 

“None of my grandmothers had a positive experience at school and yet they believed that you need to have an education behind you to help you throughout life … Now I am a teacher.” 

Caitlyn now supports 30 young Aboriginal women at school, helping them to build positive experiences and succeed in their education. 

“I know my ancestors, who came before me, would be proud of the legacy I’m leaving behind. I’m going to ensure that my girls get the best possible chances in life.” 

Paramedic Aleyah Joseph, who works with NSW Ambulance out of the Eveleigh Headquarters in Redfern, also shared reflections on the strength of her ancestors and their lasting impact. 

“I came from a strong line of Aboriginal ancestors, who have left me with stories of their experiences, showing their strength and how they prioritised leaving a legacy for the future generations,” Aleyah said. 

She credited her determination and drive to the resilience and humour passed down through generations. 

“They have instilled in me the importance of strength and determination when creating the vision for my life … These traits have made me extremely driven to achieve any goals that I set my mind to and to overcome any challenges that I face on the way.” 

Chief Executive Deb Willcox reflected on the importance of the NAIDOC Week theme and thanked George Long, Executive Director of Aboriginal Health, Ricky Lyons, Deputy Director, and the many Aboriginal staff and teams across the District for their dedication to Aboriginal health and wellbeing. 

“We often reflect on the achievements of Aboriginal Elders who have had an extraordinary impact on our community,” Deb said. 

“They have worked tirelessly and brought about so much positive change for their local community. But it’s very important to ensure we also recognise those from new generations who are drawing on the experiences of those Elders to carry on their work and forge a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
 

“Our District will always be ready to support emerging Indigenous leaders as they continue to push for justice and equity, using their strength and vision to carry on the legacy of their ancestors.” 

Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a community sausage sizzle, cultural workshops and activities, and further dance performances that encouraged participation and connection.  

For more information about NAIDOC Week and ways to get involved, visit naidoc.org.au.