2025 YSRC NAIDOC Celebration
✨ YSRC NAIDOC Celebration Lights Up Geraldton
A Night of Culture, Community, Connection and Yamatji Pride on the Geraldton Foreshore.
On Saturday 18 October 2025, the Geraldton Foreshore transformed into a vibrant celebration of Yamatji culture, storytelling, food, music and community spirit, with thousands of spectators gathered for the YSRC NAIDOC Drone Show Celebration.
It was a night filled with energy, pride and connection, a powerful reminder of who we are as a Nation and what we carry forward for future generations.
A Cultural Festival for All
From the moment the event opened, Stow Gardens came alive with the sounds of celebration. Families laid out picnic rugs, Elders gathered on the grass and children moved excitedly between activities as the afternoon unfolded into a cultural festival that brought our community together like never before.
Live Entertainment that Stirred the Spirit
The stage featured outstanding performances that showcased traditional Yamatji talent.
Tamworth Award winners the Atkins Sisters +1
Karloo Rockers sharing the beauty of language through song
Didgeridoo Beats filling the foreshore with the deep sounds of Country
Dadajaal Dance Group captivating audiences with traditional dance & cultural exchange
Welcome to Country with Donna Ronan & Smoking Ceremony with Daarrgi Naaguja Derek Councillor
YSRC First ‘Lights Bimarra’ dream time drone show finale
Each performance honoured the 2025 NAIDOC theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.”.
Activities for Kids and Families
Children enjoyed hands-on cultural experiences throughout the afternoon, with creative art and craft activities hosted by YMAC, energetic dance workshops with Johny Garlett, facepainting and Bimarra sand art by Rashaan Briggs Art, along with plenty of games and activities that kept the little ones smiling. The entire area was full of colour, laughter and excitement, creating a joyful and safe space for families to share culture together.
A Taste of Culture
Guests were treated to an array of free cultural food tastings that celebrated authentic Yamatji flavours. Bush tucker prepared by Nana G and RJ Café was a crowd favourite, featuring kangaroo stew with damper, emu with Davidson plum, kangaroo rump, kangaroo tail bites, bush tomato quiche, wattleseed brownies, lilly pilly jelly cups, saltbush chips, pepperberry cheese spread on crustini, grilled yabbies infused with native ginger and crocodile tastings. Volunteers from Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving Club also served fresh Kangaroo BBQ, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The aromas, storytelling and generosity created a memorable cultural experience for everyone who attended.
Community Giveaways
Free YSRC picnic blankets added a sea of colour across the lawn as families settled in for the evening. There were also plenty of free giveaways and community raffles that added to the excitement throughout the afternoon, with many lucky attendees taking home something special from the day.
A Moment of Pride for Our Nation
YSRC CEO Luka Gray shared her gratitude and pride, saying, “What an incredible day for our people. Seeing thousands gather to celebrate NAIDOC with us showed the unity, pride and connection of our Nation.” The event brought people together to honour the past, celebrate the present and look to the future with strength and pride.
YSRC First Lights “Bimarra”
Dreamtime Drone Show Spectacular Finale
We are incredibly proud of this year’s celebration and the community who made it so special.
View our photo gallery below and relive the colour, culture and magic of the 2025 NAIDOC Drone Show Celebration.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Service Providers
This event was made possible through the generous support of our major sponsors.
Lotterywest, Mitsui E&P Australia, Empire Metals Australia Pty Ltd, GBSC, Vault Minerals, Neoen, Trina Solar, Synergy, DevelopmentWA, City of Greater Geraldton, AGIG, Beach Energy, YMAC, ILUKA, Coral Insurance, Melissa Price MP, GMA Garnet & Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
Your support ensures this cultural celebration continues to grow and thrive for the Yamatji community and for future generations.
We also extend our appreciation to our fantastic service providers including our official event photographer Tamati Smith, 6530 Thirty Events and Entertainment, Mullermind Creative, Geraldton Party Hire, Protect Security Geraldton, Elite Electrical, Kennards, Let’s Party, Cakes and Cupcakes by Anita, Total Toilets, Radio Mama, Oaks Civil, Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (Inc) and St John Ambulance.
We are looking for more traditional stalls to showcase our talented First Nation people in 2026. If you are interested in joining future YSRC events, or have questions or feedback for our events team, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out and email us with the link below.
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