Community
11 July, 2025
Wanganeen headlines NAIDOC Week events
SOUTH West Healthcare (SWH) yesterday welcomed AFL great, artist, and proud Kokatha man Gavin Wanganeen as a special guest for NAIDOC Week 2025.
This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,’ marks the 50th NAIDOC Week in Australia and reflects the powerful legacy of First Nations people and the rising strength of new leaders.
Wanganeen, a two-time AFL Premiership winner, Brownlow Medallist, and AFL Hall of Fame inductee, was special guest at South West Heatlhcare’s NAIDOC Warrnambool event on Thursday.
The celebration included a smoking ceremony and an open community yarn with Sherry Johnstone, followed by lunch.
More than a football legend, Wanganeen has become a nationally recognised contemporary Aboriginal artist, successful businessman, and committed advocate for Indigenous communities.
Born in Mount Gambier, he proudly descends from the Kokatha Mula people of South Australia’s Western Desert.
His post-football journey has included founding MURRA Partners, an Indigenous-owned executive recruitment firm, and JOOJU Coffee (a brand blending quality with social impact) featuring Wanganeen’s artwork on every package.
Throughout his life, Wanganeen has championed causes tied to youth empowerment, Indigenous health, and cultural preservation.
His namesake scholarship at the University of South Australia has helped dozens of First Nations students achieve their dreams in education, health, the arts, and beyond.
“Gavin Wanganeen’s presence speaks directly to the theme of NAIDOC 2025,” South West Healthcare chief executive Craig Fraser said.
“His legacy, vision, and continued leadership embody everything this week is about; inspiring our communities and building a stronger, more inclusive future.”
