Residents of The Hills Shire are invited to mark NAIDOC Week with a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture at Yarn at The Farm – a day filled with free cultural experiences, hands-on workshops, traditional arts and crafts, market stalls, live music, sport, and Indigenous-inspired cuisine.

Returning for its second year, Yarn at The Farm will take place on Thursday, 10 July, from 10am to 2pm at Bella Vista Farm.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, encouraged the community to join the festivities during the July school holidays and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Australia’ s First Nations peoples.

“ I warmly invite everyone to come along to Yarn at The Farm,” Mayor Byrne said.

“ This special event is a wonderful opportunity to have a yarn, listen to, and learn from Indigenous voices. It’ s not just a fun day out – it’ s a celebration of the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“ There’ s something for everyone – from kicking a footy with AFL NSW and the Parramatta Eels, to painting your own boomerang, enjoying traditional dancing and storytelling, and sampling delicious First Nations fusion food.”

The event will commence with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a program featuring didgeridoo performances, storytelling, traditional dances, a special

appearance by the Jannawi Dance Clan, an interactive show with Cheeky Little Emus, and live music.

Throughout the day, attendees can participate in free cultural workshops and create their own traditional arts and crafts, including boomerang painting and jewellery making. Sporting activations will be offered by AFL NSW, the Western Sydney Wanderers, and the Parramatta Eels.

Market stalls featuring Indigenous artists, designers and small business owners will offer a range of goods including Aboriginal-designed clothing, jewellery, drink bottles, hats, and laserengraved gifts and homewares.

Food and beverage options include the Indigenous-owned Wilka Thalta food truck, serving First Nations fusion cuisine, along with a sausage sizzle, coffee van, dessert truck, and ice cream truck.

The event is proudly delivered in partnership with local First Nations enterprise Muru Mittigar, who have worked closely with Council to ensure the day meaningfully honours and celebrates Indigenous culture.

Muru Mittigar Executive Officer, Wayne Cornish, said he was proud to support the Hills’ largest NAIDOC Week event.

“ We are delighted to partner with Council in celebrating NAIDOC Week. This special day is a testament to unity and celebration – an opportunity to deepen our understanding of First Nations people, their culture, history and contributions,” Mr Cornish said.

NAIDOC Yarn at The Farm 2024.

“ This event is the result of community collaboration and cultural pride – and we’ re looking forward to a fantastic day at Bella Vista Farm.”

Yarn at The Farm is a free, familyfriendly event, and everyone is welcome.

NAIDOC WEEK 2025: YARN AT THE FARM

WHAT: A celebration of First Nations culture featuring storytelling, performances, arts and crafts, workshops, sport, and market stalls

WHEN: 10am – 2pm, Thursday 10 July 2025

WHERE: Bella Vista Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista

FOOD: Free servings from Wilka

Thalta’ s Indigi-Bakery Snacks Menu, including, Emu, saltbush, and semi-dried tomato pie; Wallaby korma curry pie; Kangaroo sausage roll with bush tomato relish; Vegie pumpkin lemon myrtle pastie with rivermint raita. ACTIVITIES:- Free cultural workshops- Traditional arts and crafts( boomerang painting, jewellery making)

- Sporting activations from AFL NSW, Parramatta Eels, and Western Sydney Wanderers

- Market stalls from Indigenous artists and small businesses TRAVEL: Onsite parking is limited. Travel via Metro is strongly recommended.