Willoughby City Council is proud to be part of the Gai-mariagal Festival 2025, honouring the living cultures and enduring legacies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Held from 26 May to 13 July, the festival features a diverse program of events across Northern Sydney, coinciding with National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week.
This year’s theme ‘Legacies for Future Generations’ encourages all Australians to reflect on how we can contribute to a shared future founded on truth, respect and responsibility.
Mayor Tanya Taylor said the festival is a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together and deepen its understanding of First Nations cultures.
“The Gai-mariagal Festival reflects our ongoing commitment to recognising and celebrating First Nations cultures, voices and histories,” Mayor Taylor said. “We encourage everyone to take part in these events, listen deeply, and be part of creating a future that honours the knowledge, resilience and achievements of our First Nations communities.”
Now in its 24th year, the festival continues to offer a rich mix of cultural experiences including live performances, walks on Country, and opportunities for reflection and learning.
Caroline Glass-Pattison and Susan Moylan-Coombs, Co-Chairs of the Gai-mariagal Festival Committee, said the festival is both a celebration and a powerful call to action for the broader community.
“This Festival is not just a celebration; it is an invitation to every person who calls this place home. An invitation to step into a future built on honesty, respect, and responsibility,” the co-chairs said.
“A call to honour the enduring spirit of First Nations peoples, to listen with open hearts, and to actively contribute to creating legacies of cultural strength, justice, and unity.”
Willoughby City Council is hosting several events, with highlights including:
Wildlife, Culture & Country: Reconnecting Through Habitat Restoration Saturday 31 May – Willoughby Library
National Reconciliation Week Presentation – “Where are we up to now” Monday 3 June – Dougherty Community Centre, Chatswood
Echoes of Light: Our Connection Through Waterways Thursday 12 June – Sunday 13 July – The Concourse, Chatswood
Indigenous Boomerang Painting Workshop Saturday 28 June – Willoughby Library
Gawura Dance Workshop and Bushwalk 6 July – Warners Park, Northbridge
Saturday Night Series – Contemporary First Nations Artists Saturday evenings in June – The Concourse, Chatswood
For the full Gai-mariagal Festival 2025 program across Willoughby and event updates, visit willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Gai-mariagal-Festival-2025
Contact details:
For media enquiries, please contact:
Media at Willoughby City Council
M: 0459 915 293
