by Bonnie Collings
Locals gathered at the West Gippsland Arts Centre forecourt yesterday morning for the official opening of Baw Baw Shire's NAIDOC Week celebrations.
This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy" celebrates the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.
Kurnai elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton welcomed everyone to country and led a smoking ceremony, explaining how the ceremony was an act of cleansing.

"We all come with auras, and auras collect entities," Aunty Cheryl exp