Last updated: 2 July 2025

NAIDOC Week 2025

Celebrating 50 Years of Strength, Vision & Legacy | Sunday 6th – Sunday 13th July

This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, a powerful milestone and a moment to honour the strength, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

It’s also a time to look ahead. To recognise the legacy of Elders and ancestors, and to champion the young leaders shaping the future. 

At Discovery Parks and across the G’day Group, we’re proud to stand alongside First Nations peoples, celebrating NAIDOC Week through stories, actions and initiatives that connect, educate and empower. 

What’s Happening Across the Business

From One Message to a Movement: The Wilpena Poster Wall Story 

It all began with a simple suggestion. 

When Senior HR Advisor Caitlin Horsnell shared that Charlotte Coulthard-Dare, a proud Adnyamathanha woman and team member at Discovery Resorts – Wilpena, had been nominated for NAIDOC SA Indigenous Person of the Year, the RAP Committee knew we had to do more to share voices like hers. 

From there, the idea grew. Charlotte and Cultural Tour Guide Rhanee Lester shared their plans for an Ikara Family Fun Day - a celebration of culture, community and storytelling. As they reflected on the 50-year NAIDOC milestone, Rhanee had an idea: 

“Let’s create a poster wall to spotlight the next generation of First Nations leaders.” 

That idea took off. 

Now, parks across the country - Kings Canyon, El Questro and beyond - are embracing the initiative. Our Marketing team helped bring it to life. And when Reconciliation Australia heard about it, they asked for a copy. 

What started as a conversation has grown into a movement—one that celebrates both legacy and the bright future ahead. 

See and download the poster here.

Highlights from Across the Network 

  • Wilpena Pound will host an Ikara Family Fun Day featuring an Elders Tent, cultural storytelling, market stalls, and a campfire with wattleseed scones. Staff will also screen the documentary Just Harry and launch a poster wall spotlighting future leaders—an idea from Rhanee Lester that’s now spreading across the network. 
  • Kings Canyon will offer guests the chance to experience kangaroo bush tucker tastings, Indigenous art workshops, and hands-on educational sessions. 
  • El Questro will lead yarning circles and cultural workshops for both guests and staff—creating space for connection, learning, and shared understanding. 
  • Adelaide Support Office will host a special G’day on a Friday segment will feature highlights from NAIDOC Week celebrations across the Group, showcasing how our teams are bringing the theme to life. 

Hall of Fame – Support Office 

A dedicated display honouring First Nations individuals involved in our business, including: 

Yalari alumni

We’re proud to partner with Yalari, a not-for-profit organisation that provides secondary school scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from remote and regional communities across Australia. Since 2005, Yalari has supported over 500 graduates and continues to foster strong, educated leaders for the future. 

Our connection runs deep, with COO Matt Lang serving on the SA Regional Council, and two Yalari alumni now employed at Kings Canyon, supported by our Resorts team. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to opportunity, education, and meaningful, long-term impact. 

Louise Wellington

A proud Luritja and Warlpiri woman, Louise joined our RAP Committee in August 2024 and brings a wealth of insight, leadership and heart to the team. She’s the owner of Tin Truck & Associates and part-owner of Hardy Fencing NT, a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, and is a driving force behind cultural education in the NT and beyond. 

You might know Louise from our cultural training videos or spot her in the Support Office—usually on a Tuesday or Thursday, always with something bold, bright and meaningful to say. She’s internationally recognised for her advocacy, and plays a key role in how we continue to learn, grow and connect with Country.

Read all their stories here and feel free to share them with your teams and guests. 

Yalari Partnership 
 
We're proud to support Yalari as they open doors to education and opportunity. Our own COO Matt Lang sits on the Yalari SA Regional Council, and two Yalari alumni are now thriving at Kings Canyon, thanks to the support of our Resorts team. 

How You Can Get Involved

  • Download the NAIDOC Resource Kit to: 
    • Print and display posters at your park or site 
    • Access NAIDOC Week information and educational materials 
    • Find storytelling ideas and ways to engage with your local community 
  • Explore local events via NAIDOC’s event finder
  • Start the conversation in your workplace. Use the poster as a way to spark meaningful discussions with your team and guests about what NAIDOC Week means where you are. 

Our Commitment to Reconciliation 

Earlier this year, we proudly launched our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) - a formal commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through respect, relationships and real action. 

Our RAP gives structure and visibility to work already happening across our parks and teams. It’s how we embed reconciliation into the everyday - showing up for each other, our guests, and the communities we’re part of. 

Thank you for being part of it. 

Let’s make this milestone year one to remember - by celebrating strength, vision, and legacy in a way that’s meaningful, respectful, and proudly led by the voices within our business.