South Eveleigh celebrates NAIDOC Week with a vibrant cultural takeover, honouring 50 years of Blak excellence
02 July, 2025
In celebration of NAIDOC’s 50 Year Anniversary, South Eveleigh is proud to bring this year’s NAIDOC theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy”, to life. From Tuesday 8 July to Sunday 13 July, the precinct will be hosting a bold and immersive week long cultural program, curated in partnership with Awesome Black. The precinct-wide activation brings together an inspiring lineup of live music, storytelling, art, cultural workshops and market experiences to recognise and celebrate First Nations peoples and their ongoing contributions to culture, creativity and community.
Awesome Black founder Travis de Vries said: “It’s an incredible honour to be able to work with the amazing artists and creatives to take over the space at South Eveleigh during NAIDOC. and a real opportunity to collaborate with businesses and residents in the South Eveleigh precinct. NAIDOC is always an amazing community moment within the calendar year, which we hope to build on through ongoing partnerships between businesses and local First Nations communities.”
Surrounding the market will be a dynamic schedule of cultural experiences, including:
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Live performances from Eric Avery, salllvage and Dobby
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First Nations Ambient Music Residency and sonic sanctuary from 7-10 July
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‘Calling’ – a curated soundscape of ambient compositions by Eric Avery, salllvage, and Source Decay, resonating throughout the precinct.
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Lunch Time Dance Club with a First Nations DJ on Thursday 10 and Saturday 12 July
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EarthSpeak kids’ workshops with Jade Goodwin on Thursday 10 and Sunday 13 July
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Weaving Workshop on Saturday 12 July
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Dyagula’s Family music workshop for kids and families on Saturday 12 July
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Live podcast recordings, including Petroglyph and Little Yarns, an ABC Kids listen podcast
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Roving musicians including LAMONAY, ELINA ROBERTS TURNER, KYARNA, JAKE MAGI, TIM GRAY + more
The program will also feature a specially curated market offering by Trading Blak, spotlighting 100% Blak-owned vendors including Ngurrbul Clothing, award-winning Indigiearth, Jarin Street and Balgarra Designs. Across the weekend, stallholders will not only trade but also share their practice through short, interactive workshops—giving visitors a unique opportunity to engage directly with the stories, skills and culture behind each product.
Jarin Ingram-Baigent of Trading Blak said “BuyBlak this NAIDOC and support “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”. When you buy from 100% Blak-owned businesses, your purchase has 100% impact. It’s a direct investment in strong, self-determined futures – empowering the next generation.”
Michael Carabetta, Portfolio Manager at Mirvac, said the activation represents a deep commitment to amplifying First Nations voices in a meaningful way: “This special program is about more than celebration; it’s about platforming truth-telling, creativity and culture in a way that’s inclusive, accessible and energising.”
After exploring the NAIDOC Week markets and activations, visitors are encouraged to wander Locomotive Street and its surrounding laneways, where they’ll find South Eveleigh’s extended weekend retail offering. Vendors such as Sana and Fishbowl will open for weekend trade during the Loco Markets, while precinct favourites Anita Gelato, BrewDog and the Grounds Coffee Factory will be open as usual.
All events are free to attend, with some workshops requiring bookings.
For full program details, visit:
https://www.southeveleigh.com/
