Community Development and Events

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held annually from 27 May - 3 June.

NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The NRW 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue to push forward as past lessons guide us.

Council will host a community run/walk to connect for National Reconciliation Week 2025.

Date: Friday 30 May 2025

Time: Start at 10:00am

Location: Berry Park (run/walk starting on Denison Bridge)

The run/walk will loop around the Wambuul/Macquarie River (approx. 2.5km), with distances for all abilities. Service providers have been invited to set up stalls at the conclusion of the run/walk, with a free BBQ lunch provided.

All participants completing the run/walk will receive a certificate of completion.

For more information or to RSVP on behalf of a school, group or organisation, please contact Council’s Community Development Team on 02 6333 6523. 

2025 NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations.

Bathurst Regional Council presents Our Faces, Our Future, Our Mob: Portraits of strength, vision & legacy, an exhibition of portraits from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across the Bathurst region, in celebration of NAIDOC Week 2025.

This year's National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations, and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

In the Bathurst Region, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people have created portraits of themselves and others to tell stories, honour individuals and express identity.

In Aboriginal culture, the concept of portraiture goes beyond physical likeness. Identity is deeply connected to Country, kinship, dreaming stories and ancestral ties. Aboriginal artists often incorporate traditional symbols, like meeting places, pathways, and animal tracks - to tell personal and cultural stories with their portraits. Rather than focusing solely on appearance, these works reflect spirit, heritage and connection to land.

Council acknowledges that Our Faces, Our Future, Our Mob has been created on Wiradjuri Country by young people representing different home lands.

For more information, please contact: Council's Community Development Team on 02 6333 6523

Opening night:  Official opening event with grazing tables and family photography

• Tuesday 8 July 2025
• 5pm - 7 pm
• Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Wattle Foyer

2024 NAIDOC Week Celebration and Miil Bulal Film

Miil Bulal can be viewed on Council's YouTube channel: Miil Bulal (both eyes - Wiradjuri) 

(JPG, 63KB)

(JPG, 84KB)

(JPG, 97KB)

(JPG, 93KB)

(JPG, 86KB)

(JPG, 70KB)

National Close the Gap Day will be observed across Australia on Thursday 21 March 2024. National Close the Gap Day advocates for health equity of Australia’s First Nations people, raises awareness of the Indigenous health crisis and supports First Nations people to access health services.

Council has partnered with Moodie’s Pharmacy Bathurst to deliver health information and provide health checks, including blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing.

Date: Tuesday 19 March 2024

Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm (no bookings required)

Location: Kelso Community Hub, 24 Bonnor Street, Kelso

For more information, please contact Council on (02) 6333 6523

National Sorry Day is an important event in Australia that acknowledges and recognises the historical mistreatment and injustices inflicted upon First Nations people, particularly the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day is commemorated annually on May 26 and is a platform for reflection, remembrance and reconciliation, highlighting the impact of past government policies and actions on First Nations communities.

Council has invited local First Nations Elders to a National Sorry Day Elders Morning Tea to commemorate National Sorry Day 2024. 

Date: Friday 24 May 2024

Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm

Location: Kelso Community Hub, 24 Bonnor Street, Kelso

If you are a First Nations Elder who would like to attend, please RSVP to Council's Cultural & Community Services Section on 02 6333 6523.

Click here to view flyer(PDF, 6MB)

Bathurst Regional Council were successful in funding from the NSW Government Regional Youth Holiday Break Program for Summer/Autum 24/25. The Holiday Break Program provides young people in NSW with the opportunities to connect, socialise, learn new skills and have fun during the school holidays. It supports the delivery of free activities for young people during the school holiday period.

Bathurst Regional Council will coordinate a free Marang Connections Cultural Day in January 2025 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 12-24 years.

Date: Wednesday 22 January 2025

Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm

Location: Kelso Community Hub, 24 Bonnor Street, Kelso

Council have partnered with the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council to provide culturally appropriate and suitable facilitators for each activity. 

Registrations are essential and transport is available by phoning Council on 02 6333 6523