NAIDOC Week (6 – 13 July) is a very special event for Western Sydney’s First Nations residents.
As home to one of the largest urban Indigenous populations in Australia, Western Sydney was filled with cultural pride and community spirit, with many organisations, community groups, and local councils hosting a variety of NAIDOC-dedicated events.
WentWest representatives had the honour of joining celebrations at Mount Druitt, hosted by Greater Western Sydney Aboriginal Health Service (featured in video) and in Riverstone, hosted by North West Community Services. Health tents at Riverstone – facilitated by Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and local community services – were packed with attendees, offering a range of resources and support information throughout the day.
“Everyone loved the event – it was just what they wanted and needed on the day. It was simple and all about connection,” said Angela Van Dyke, CEO of North West community Services.
Western Sydney PHN Chief Executive, Andrew Newton, said, “NAIDOC Week is an important time to focus our efforts on improving health outcomes for the First Nations people of Western Sydney.”
“We have a real opportunity to make a lasting impact on health across the lifespan and close the gap in life expectancy for First Nations communities in our region,” Mr Newton said.
“The Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN) Needs Assessment tells us a story – we must do better.”
“We will continue to work closely with Aboriginal Health Services, GPs, commissioned providers and other health care professionals to address the inequities that persist for First Nations people in Western Sydney.”
Each year the WSPHN commissions a range of programs to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people including:
- More than 34,000 Integrated Team Care services
- Drug and alcohol services provided by Aboriginal organisations Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Maarin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation
- Other commissioned services include Western Sydney ITC, Ray Kelly Too Deadly for Diabetes program, Tedd Noffs Deadly Dreaming program and Greater West Aboriginal Health Service
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Information is correct as of 16 July 2025.
