The 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy, is a call to recognise the leadership, cultural knowledge, and collective action that continue across generations. 

Social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples continue to be shaped by the effects of colonisation and systemic neglect. Despite this, communities have long been leading the work to create systems of care grounded in culture, connection, and lived experience. 

At Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, we honour the knowledge, work, and leadership that has come before us, the people who laid the foundations for change and demanded better. We recognise those continuing that work today, often under pressure and within systems not built for us, and we hold space for the next generation to take it further, in ways that reflect who they are and what they carry. 

This includes the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration and its vision to achieve the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

The Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration lays out a vision of an Australia mental health system that has Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, presence and influence at all levels, and an appropriate balance of cultural and clinical interventions embedded into it.  

“Now more than ever, we must continue to walk side by side and pave the way for, and with, the next generation”, said Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi.   

“We must centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, voices, stories, and solutions, particularly in the mental health system so we can begin to heal and overcome the lasting impacts of colonisation,” she continued. 

“This is the legacy we want to leave for future generations. Generations that are supported to be happy, healthy, and have high levels of social and emotional wellbeing”, said Ms Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi.  

The 2025 theme celebrates not only the achievements of the past, but also the bright future ahead. A future that is strengthened by the leadership of our young people, the vision of our communities, and the enduring legacy of those who have come before us. 

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Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.

24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include: 

• 13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

• Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men 

• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support 

For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au. 

About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia 

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare. 

Media contact: Pamela Hutchinson, Senior Communications Officer, pamela.hutchinson@gayaadhuwi.org.au or 0418 460 642