Uncle Pete performing a string making from stringy bark demonstration on Wednesday.
Last week the Gundagai community celebrated NAIDOC Week with a full week of events, put on by MAWANG Inc., Gundagai’s local group of Wiradjuri individuals who proudly showcase Indigenous culture throughout the community.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025 was ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, with all events placing a big emphasis on young people. The theme was a call to uplift, invest in, and listen to the emerging generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — and to honour the legacies that paved the way.
Uncle Pete from MAWANG said one of the main messages for NAIDOC Week 2025 was about youth and young people being the next generation and the importance for them in carrying on the legacy and the lessons for the next generation.
“The younger generation and youth are the architects of tomorrow’s world – and they are the ones who are our future leaders, and we’ve got to look after them so they can look after the next generations and keep the traditions going,” Uncle Pete said.
Uncle Pete said on behalf of MAWANG, that the support from the community for NAIDOC Week means so much.
“NAIDOC Week is getting more attendance in Gundagai each year, and we love sharing our culture and doing it at every opportunity. We love the way people are starting to embrace our culture by attending NAIDOC events. We are proud of what’s happening in Gundagai with NAIDOC and First Nations peoples all the time and welcoming our culture,” Uncle Pete said.
“Your support means the world to us and our community. Together, we’re empowering our next generation with strength, vision, and legacy.”
“The week was fantastic. Everything went well and was well supported by the community. We had a great roll-up for the flag-raising ceremony,’ Uncle Pete said. The flag-raising ceremony had a Smoking Ceremony performed by Stan Russell, a Welcome to Country delivered by Aunty Sony Piper, and the flags were raised by Abb McAlister, Steph Cooke MP and Regina Russell and Lowena Russell, followed by a light lunch at the council chambers.
Steph Cooke attended the ceremony, and she said it was a pleasure to join the Gundagai community to recognise-NAIDOC week.
“Every year, our communities come together to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
“This year, I wish to shine a particular light on the contributions of Uncle Peter Smith. Uncle Pete has an incredible legacy, having not only chaired the Yarri and Jacky Jacky Sculpture Committee but also played a significant role in the establishment of the Mawang Incorporation. Through his leadership, passion, and deep cultural knowledge, Uncle Pete has helped preserve the rich history of Gundagai’s First Nations people,” Steph said.
On Tuesday afternoon, MAWANG held a disco for local children at the District Services Club, which was also fantastic. “The disco was well attended, the kids had a disco, I did a Welcome to Country and there were some prizes and a cake.We had 62 amazing kids join in the fun, music and dancing. It was a day filled with joy, pride and community spirit,” Uncle Pete said.
On Wednesday, Uncle Pete and Aunty Sony went up to the hospital where residents and staff from the hospital as well as Uralba Hostel came together to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and to celebrate their contributions. The event included a Welcome to Country by Aunty Sony and a Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Pete, as well as a demonstration on string making from stringybark by Uncle Pete.
On Thursday morning, Uncle Pete and Aunty Sony held a special NAIDOC Storytime at Gundagai Library, where attendees learned about the didgeridoo, Wiradjuri words, and special artefacts such as kangaroo skin, emu, koala and boomerangs.
Uncle Pete said the Storytime session aimed to highlight knowledge and that future generations will be passing it on.
The NAIDOC Ball for 2025 was held on Saturday at 6 pm at the District Services Club with about 90 people in attendance. Uncle Pete said it was a huge success.
“The ball was fantastic – it was one of the best ones we’ve ever had. The catering was great. Because the emphasis of NAIDOC Week was on the younger generation, we had a young person as our MC and another young person as our guest speaker,” Uncle Pete said.
“A heartfelt thank you to our special guest, Aidan Hartshorn, and our incredible MC, Brad Bulger, for helping make the night so memorable. Aidan spoke about his life and all the amazing things he has achieved.” Uncle Pete also thanked everyone who attended the NAIDOC Ball. “Thank you to everyone who joined us at the NAIDOC Ball. It was a deadly evening where we celebrated this year’s NAIDOC theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’ and honoured Blak excellence through our awards ceremony.”
“We also extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and supporters – your generosity and commitment helped make this event possible. We would also like to thank the District Services Club for donating the rooms for the ball,” Uncle Pete said.
“The Ball is something we like to do every year, and we encourage everyone to come. It’s inclusion, not exclusion – everyone is welcome.”
“Finally, a big congratulations to all our award winners for 2025! Your dedication, leadership, and contributions have made a lasting impact on our community, and we were honoured to recognise their strength, vision, and legacy,” Uncle Pete said.
The Marambangbilang Award Winners for 2025 are:
• Marambangbilang Balgarbalgar DEADLY ELDER: Uncle Dean Freeman and Aunty Winnie Marlowe
• Marambangbilang Ginhiimaldhaany DEADLY ACHIEVER: Dr Ryan Bulger
• Marambangbilang Giridhaany DEADLY SPORTSPERSON: Luke Penrith
• Wirimbildhaany Ngurambanggu CARER OF COUNTRY: Megan Considine
– Emily Flint
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