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 reflected on the ongoing connection between past, present and future - calling on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue to push forward as past lessons guide us. 

Council hosted a community run/walk for National Reconciliation Week in 2025. 

Details for Council's future National Reconciliation Week events will be shared closer to May 2026.

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is held across the nation during the first week of July each year. NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and histories and participate in celebrations. 

The 2025 NAIDOC Week theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy celebrated achievements of the past and the bright future ahead. 

In 2025, Council coordinated 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. 

Details for Council's future NAIDOC Week event will be shared closer to July 2026.

Bathurst Regional Council were successful in funding from the NSW Government Regional Youth Holiday Break Program for Summer 25/26. The Holiday Break Program provides young people across NSW with the opportunity 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. 

Council have partnered with Riverside Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation to deliver a Marang Connections River Dreaming Immersion day. Council will take a group of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people (14-19 years) to Forbes for a day of traditional activities, canoeing and cultural fishing. Each young person will receive their own fishing rod! 

This experience is a chance to strengthen cultural identity and connect to Country through land and water-based activities. 

Participants are required to attend a swim safety session and assessment prior to the immersion. Transport is available to attend the swim session and immersion. 

Places are limited and registrations are essential by phoning Council's Community Development Team on 02 6333 6523.