First Nations artefacts on display for NAIDOC Week 2025

To celebrate NAIDOC week and showcase our local history, HBNC is proudly displaying artefacts from Butchulla country.

The items, displayed alongside objects from other parts of Australia, have been carefully curated for display by HBNC team members Lesa Stagg and Alana Boan.

Lesa, who was also the 2022 Fraser Coast NAIDOC Community Person of the Year, said the artefacts were on loan from Scrub Hill Community Farm and displayed with permission.

She said the display was poignant reminder of First Nations peoples’ deep and enduring connection to the land, including in our local area.

“These artefacts are ancient, and they give us a glimpse into the history of the oldest living cultures in the world,” Lesa said.

“It’s moving to have these objects on clear display, proudly celebrating First Nations people and culture.”

Boomerang, emu eggs and photograph of scarred tree.

Grinding stones, kangaroo skin garments from Palawa country, and axe head.

The display includes a range of objects, including a boomerang, emu eggs, shield, digging stick, fighting stick, and a coolamon (shallow bowls used for a multitude of purposes).

Lesa invited the whole Hervey Bay community to drop into the centre any time during opening hours to take a look, while enjoying a cuppa from The Wandering Teapot Café.

“I’m so glad to be involved with HBNC’s social enterprise and Skilling Queenslanders for Work hospitality training, where we have proudly supported many First Nations young people to gain vital job skills,” Lesa said.

Shield and clapping sticks.

Coolamon and fighting sticks.

About NAIDOC Week 2025

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.