This year marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. What began as a modest movement for civil rights and recognition has grown into a powerful week of reflection and celebration across the country.
NAIDOC Week invites all Australians to learn more about the oldest continuing cultures on Earth and to engage meaningfully with the past, present and future of First Nations peoples. It’s a time to recognise resilience and cultural continuity, but also to champion justice, equity and self-determination in every industry and workplace.
In the cleaning and hygiene sector, First Nations contributions often go unseen, yet they’re woven through the fabric of the industry. Across commercial, healthcare, government and education sectors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners and workers have long played vital roles in keeping spaces safe, clean and functional, roles that became even more visible during the pandemic.
Killara Services managing director Jasmine Newman says cultural identity isn’t something kept separate from daily operations. “Our values guide how we treat our staff, our clients and the spaces we clean,” she says. “Respect is central for people, place and purpose. We start each day acknowledging where we are and who came before us. That awareness keeps our team grounded and proud of what we represent.”
Today, Indigenous-owned enterprises are leading a shift toward culturally grounded service delivery and employment models. By creating training pathways, secure jobs and wraparound support, these businesses are lifting standards across the industry while helping to close the gap through economic empowerment and long-term stability.
The rise of Indigenous-led cleaning operations has shown that cultural knowledge and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. From using low-toxicity products to protecting Country in remote and regional work, First Nations businesses are shaping what sustainable, community-focused service looks like in Oceania today.
As the sector continues to grow and diversify, NAIDOC Week is a timely reminder that recognition must extend beyond a theme or a moment. It must be built into procurement decisions, hiring practices, leadership pathways and the systems that support everyday work.
This year’s NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, is a rallying call to celebrate culture and embed it into our daily vernacular. As the industry reflects on its future, there’s an opportunity to listen more deeply, invest more equitably and honour the people whose care and commitment keep our shared spaces thriving.
Because a stronger, safer industry is one where every contribution is valued and every voice has a place.
