‘A future for our children’ was the community’s message for this week’s NAIDOC celebrations in Gunnedah.

This year marked the nation’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC – a movement for recognition and rights for indigenous communities.

Fittingly, the 2025 theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’.

The Gunnedah community rallied in strength for the occasion – stopping traffic for a march along Conadilly Street on Monday.

Generations of the community stood shoulder-to-shoulder, proud of their heritage and hopeful for the future.

Red Chief Local Land Council chief executive Troy Ruttley estimated about 500 marchers turned out for the event.

Especially memorable was the big presence of local school children.

“That’s what it’s all about, our next generation – from our elders right through to our young people,” Mr Ruttley said.

“And not it’s just about the Aboriginal people, it’s about the whole of the Gunnedah community.

“It’s about us moving forward to create a better future.”

Aunty Jean Hands was also impressed by the turn out from the entire community.

“NAIDOC means everything to us,” Aunty Jean Hands said.

“It means unity, togetherness, partnerships, and for us all to come together.

“To have the street march … this is fantastic.”

She explained how half a century after NAIDOC was established, it remains a powerful movement for indigenous voices.

“It continues to uplift and empower our community,” Aunty Jean said.

“It’s testament to the ensuring strength of Aboriginal people.”

“Thank you everyone for coming today, especially the children, our future.”

Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller said it was an “honour” to celebrate NAIDOC’s 50-year milestone.

“It’s a real privilege, an honour to be here,” she said.

The mayor highlighted Gunnedah’s strong cultural ties to community – from the recent multicultural festival to this week’s NAIDOC march.

“I think it shows we are uniting,” Cr Fuller said.

“It’s great for any community.

“The strength we have [through culture], we will be a better place.”

School students were also aware of the significance of the occasion.

“It’s really important to support everyone, the community and all the mobs here,” said Mayse Frey from St Mary’s College Gunnedah.

The year 10 student plays in the indigenous Nations of Origin rugby league tournament. Teams from across the state feature in the annual competition.

He said sport plays important part in the NAIDOC message of unity.

That message was echoed by team-mate and fellow St Mary’s student, Clayten King.

“It’s good to come together,” Clayten said.

“It represents who we are – our culture.”

Cumbo Gunnerah Run

Each year during NAIDOC, Gunnedah re-enacts the Cumbo Gunnerah Run, named in honour of the Aboriginal warrior, Red Chief.

The event starts in Gunnedah, as women head to Porcupine Lookout to start a smoke signal.

Red Chief Local Land Council chief executive Troy Ruttley said this signal warns of an historical invasion by the Cassilis tribe.

“It acts as alarm or message [to the men] to come back, we’re being invaded,” Mr Ruttley said.

Men and the boys then re-enact the retreat from Breeza back to Gunnedah.

Mr Ruttley said about 15-20 men and boys took part in the run this year. He was pleased to see more women take part in the re-enactment as well.

NAIDOC events continue this week in Gunnedah. This includes a corrobboree today involving about 260 people from schools in Gunnedah, Carroll and Boggabri. The event will also include a professional ensemble. This event starts 6pm at Gunnedah High School.

On Sunday, Gunnedah will host the NAIDOC Fun Day from 11am at Wolseley Park.

Mr Richard (Grant) with Tyson Smith and Isaac Hartup from Gunnedah Public School taking part in the NAIDOC march on Conadilly Street on Monday.

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