NAIDOC WEEK AT TRED

Our 2025 NAIDOC Week ceremony and program of events were a powerful and moving tribute to the strength, resilience, and beauty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This year’s celebrations were among the most memorable in our school’s history—rich with learning, unity, and cultural pride.

The week was packed with vibrant and immersive cultural activities that engaged students, staff, and the broader community. From cookie making and TIG taking over sport for the week, to the creation of a stunning sand mural for our dancers to proudly perform on, every day offered opportunities for students to connect deeply with culture.

Junior students participated in hands-on art and culture sessions, while our broader school community and parents came together for interactive arts and crafts workshops, led by Josh Sly, Mrs Bullock, NASCA and our Stage 5 Aboriginal Studies students. Students also had the opportunity to learn and perform traditional songs and dances, bringing energy and authenticity to the week’s celebrations with a surprise visit from Derek Nannup, our former NASCA mentor at T-RED.

A true highlight was our NAIDOC ceremony, headlined by The Birrung Dancers—our incredibly talented students from Thomas Reddall High School—who delivered powerful performances filled with energy, pride, and cultural strength. We were also honoured to welcome students from Thomas Acres Public School and Ambarvale Public School for the first time as part of our growing Community of Schools initiative. With the support of NASCA – Culture, Education, Community, more than 65 students took part in the week-long program. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them.

We were privileged to have Josh Murrawa Walumarra Sly (Wambuul Woodworks, J Sly Designs, Muggera Cultural Enterprises) lead our ceremony. His deep cultural knowledge and ability to connect with students left a lasting impression. Our sincere thanks also go to Buia David from Jannawi Dance Clan, whose inspired choreography and mentorship of our girls’ dance group resulted in a stunning, grace-filled performance.

A big thanks to Derek Nannup and Jorell Ryder from Aliwah Cultural Enterprise, fresh from opening the National NAIDOC Awards in Boorloo (Perth), they generously travelled across the country to share Noongar culture with our students. Their workshops and collaborative final performance with Josh, Buia, and our students created a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few on the East Coast are privileged to witness.

A special thank you must go to NASCA—and in particular our dedicated NASCA worker, Cameron Fitzgerald—whose passion, organisation, and leadership were instrumental to the success of the entire week. From coordinating the vibrant art show to running cultural sports that brought students together in fun and respectful ways, Cameron supported every aspect of NAIDOC Week so that it was delivered with authenticity and heart. His efforts, alongside the NASCA team, continue to strengthen our school’s connection to culture and community in powerful ways.

We are incredibly grateful to all who contributed to this unforgettable week—our students, staff, families, community partners, and cultural leaders. NAIDOC Week 2025 was more than a celebration; it was a shared journey of learning, pride, and unity that will leave a lasting legacy in our school and beyond.

Enjoy the video of our NAIDOC ceremony below