NAIDOC Week invites all Australians to do something simple but powerful – listen. By sharing stories, celebrating culture and learning from one another, communities grow stronger together.
For GrainCorp Goondiwindi Assistant Site Manager Bailey Vaughan, a proud Kamilaroi man, that’s exactly what the week represents.
Approaching nine years with GrainCorp, Bailey recently joined community celebrations in Goondiwindi in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week.
Alongside colleagues from the Goondiwindi site, Bailey joined Elders, families and young people to celebrate culture through dance, storytelling and shared experiences.
Bringing generations together
Held in communities with deep cultural connections to the region, the celebrations created opportunities for younger generations to connect with Elders, listen to stories and deepen their understanding of culture and Country.
“The school kids met at the town park and there were dancers, Elders and community members all sharing culture,” Bailey said.
“It was really about bringing the old generation and the new generation together.”
For Bailey, who was born and raised in Goondiwindi, those moments are vital to keeping culture strong and ensuring knowledge is passed from one generation to the next..
“NAIDOC Week is about culture, who we are, and being able to sit and listen to other people’s stories and perspectives,” he said.
“It’s about understanding where people come from, how they were raised, and maintaining that connection back to the land.”
Bailey believes one of the most meaningful parts of the celebrations is seeing people come together to learn from each other.
“Everyone has their own story,” he said.
“When people come together and share those experiences, it helps build understanding and keeps culture strong for future generations.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks a significant milestone, celebrating five decades of recognising the strength, resilience, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme honours the generations of Elders, leaders, artists, activists and communities who have helped shape NAIDOC Week and continue to strengthen First Nations cultures across Australia.
The week provides an opportunity not only to celebrate culture and achievements, but also to learn from First Nations voices and experiences. Through storytelling, shared experiences and community connection, people can build a deeper understanding of Australia’s First Nations cultures and histories.
“NAIDOC Week is about culture, who we are, and being able to sit and listen to other people’s stories and perspectives,” Bailey said.
Bringing reconciliation to life
At GrainCorp, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate First Nations culture while reinforcing the company’s commitment to reconciliation.
The recent launch of GrainCorp’s second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) builds on the company’s work to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, building cultural capability and creating meaningful opportunities across the communities where we operate.
“It makes me feel good and proud to work for a company that supports First Nations voices,” Bailey said. “Our Reconciliation Action Plan is important, and I’ve always felt supported.”
“Steven Coote, our Site Manager at Goondiwindi, has been a great supporter of me and our team.
Bailey believes reconciliation starts with meaningful conversations and a willingness to learn.
“Having support from leaders and colleagues makes it easier to share our experiences and culture,” he said.
“It helps people learn and understand more about who we are.”
Read GrainCorp’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (2026–2028) here.
