Territory footy legend, Michael Long, has been honoured with the NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Perth.
Born and raised in Darwin, Mr Long (pictured) is a trailblazer on and off the AFL field delivering educational programs for Aboriginal youth in the Territory through the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre and AFL NT.
“I would like to congratulate Mr Long for his achievement. His work is a prime example of inspiring the next generation of young Aboriginal leaders,” said NT Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Steve Edgington.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to share stories, history, and culture, and I hope all Territorians can find a celebration or activity in their hometown to participate in.”
NAIDOC Week Celebrations began in Alice Springs yesterday with the Flag Raising and March through the Todd Mall, followed by a Community Expo. Other events during the week will include a Culture and Family Day, Fun Run and Mparntwe NAIDOC Ball and NAIDOC Awards presentations.
Katherine’s celebrations start with the Kalano NAIDOC Family Fun Day event including sporting competitions, cultural dancers, smoking ceremony, stallholders, kids’ activities and BBQ lunch on Wednesday, 9 July.
Highlights in Tennant Creek include the NAIDOC March and Community Awards, Elders Lunch, a Family Fun Day and the NAIDOC Ball.
Over In East Arnhem, NAIDOC events kick off in Yirrkala with a community BBQ and activities, including cultural stalls and traditional dancers, and down in Uluru, Voyages Indigenous Tourism has a week-long program to honour the traditional owners.
In Darwin and Palmerston, community events will be held all week, starting with today’s 2025 Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival at the Territory Rugby League Stadium in Marrara. Watch the Territory’s top Rugby League talent as the Indigenous All Stars take on the Territory All Stars in men’s and women’s matches across all age divisions.
For events in Darwin visit 2025 Darwin NAIDOC Calendar of Events – Larrakia Nation and for local events visit National NAIDOC Week 2025 Home page | NAIDOC.
