The First Nations-led organisation recognises the leadership of Elders, the strength of families and the vision of children and young people.
NAIDOC Week 2025’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, is lived every day through the Children’s Ground approach. Its 25-year strategy was created by Elders to centre the next generation. It is led by the community and designed to ensure children grow up safe, proud, healthy and strong in culture.
“They’re the ones we need to look after because they’re the opportunities we have for our future,” said Veronica Turner, community leader and Co-Director of Children’s Ground Central Australia.
At Children’s Ground, learning begins in the first language, led by cultural educators, and grows with children over time. Families lead decision-making. Young people are supported to stand strong in culture and shape their futures with the same opportunities afforded to all Australians.
Every day, Children’s Ground sees young people learning, teaching, speaking up, supporting each other and taking their place in the community with strength and pride. The next generation carries the strength of those before them and holds the key to what comes next.
“Our children are our next generation,” said Veronica Doolan, Arrernte Researcher at Children’s Ground. “That’s why we centre them. We are part of the legacy of the people that came before us, and we pass that legacy on to the next generation so they can carry it and continue it on. We always encourage and support the next generation.”
The organisation supports young people to stand strong in culture and grow with the same rights, dignity and opportunity that should be afforded to all. It walks beside them as they find their voice, build knowledge and create new futures.
For this year’s NAIDOC Week, the organisation calls for an action that supports the strength of children and creates the conditions for them to thrive. The next generation is leading with confidence, pride and purpose. It is time to listen deeply, honour the knowledge that lives in communities and act in ways that uphold the rights, dignity and futures of young people.
Read also: PCYC NSW to celebrate First Nations culture through sport and leadership
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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