This year, we come together under the theme: “Sent Forth in Strength and Hope.” It is Christ who sends us to walk together in faith, grounded in the deep spirituality and culture of First Nations Peoples, strengthened by the Gospel, and filled with hope for the future God is leading us into.

In its 2025 statement, NATSICC acknowledges the complex and often painful significance of Australia Day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and calls for national unity through celebration on a day that is inclusive of all Australians. To support thoughtful engagement, the council has developed a new resource for Catholics to reflect on the meaning of Australia Day personally and in relation to First Australians.