Celebrate NAIDOC Week at Yarn at The Farm
Published on 11 June 2025
Hills Shire residents are invited to celebrate First Nations culture this NAIDOC Week with a day of free cultural experiences, hands-on workshops, traditional arts and crafts, market stalls, live music, sport, and First Nations-inspired cuisine.
Yarn at The Farm returns on Thursday, July 10 from 10am to 2pm at Bella Vista Farm.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, encouraged residents to take part in the celebrations during the July school holidays and connect with the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations people.
“I warmly invite everyone to come along to Yarn at The Farm as it returns for its second year,” Mayor Byrne said.
“This special event is a great opportunity to have a yarn, listen to, and learn from Indigenous voices. It’s not just a day of fun activities – it’s a celebration of the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“There’s something for everyone – you can kick a footy with AFL NSW and the Parramatta Eels, paint your own boomerang, enjoy traditional dancing and storytelling, and sample some incredible First Nations fusion food.”
The event will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by didgeridoo performances, storytelling, traditional dances, a performance by Jannawi Dance Clan, an interactive show with Cheeky Little Emus, and live music.
Throughout the day, attendees can take part in free cultural workshops, create traditional arts and crafts such as boomerang painting and jewellery making, and enjoy sporting activations with AFL NSW, Western Sydney Wanderers, and the Parramatta Eels.
There will also be market stalls from Indigenous artists, designers, and small business owners selling Aboriginal designed clothing, jewellery, water bottles, hats, and laser engraved gifts and homeware.
Food and drink options will include the Indigenous-owned Wilka Thalta food truck, alongside a sausage sizzle, coffee van, dessert truck, and ice cream truck.
The event is being delivered in partnership with local First Nations enterprise Muru Mittigar, who have worked closely with Council and the community to develop an event that meaningfully honours Indigenous culture.
Muru Mittigar Executive Officer Wayne Cornish said he was proud to support the Hills’ biggest NAIDOC Week celebration.
“We are delighted to partner with the Council in celebrating NAIDOC Week. This special day stands as a testament to unity and celebration, offering a remarkable opportunity to deepen our understanding of our First Nations people, their rich culture, history, and significant achievements,” Mr Cornish said.
“This event is a reflection of community collaboration and cultural pride – and we’re looking forward to a great day at Bella Vista Farm.”
Yarn at The Farm is a free, family-friendly event. Everyone is welcome to attend.
NAIDOC Week 2025: Yarn at The Farm
WHAT: A celebration of First Nations culture with storytelling and performances, free arts and crafts, workshops, sporting activations, market stalls, and much more.
WHEN: 10am – 2pm, Thursday 10 July 2025
WHERE: Bella Vista Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
FOOD: Free servings of First Nations fusion cuisine 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, market stalls, traditional arts and crafts such as boomerang painting and jewellery making, as well as sporting activations from AFL NSW, Parramatta Eels, and Western Sydney Wanderers.
TRAVEL: Onsite parking is limited so travel by the Metro is highly recommended.