Celebrating NAIDOC Week at Messy Bubs Australia: Culture, Connection and Creativity for Messy Bubs!

At Messy Bubs Australia, we believe in nurturing not only the creativity and curiosity of children under five, but also their sense of belonging and connection to the rich cultural fabric of this land. As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, we take a moment to reflect on why this week is important.

What is NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week – which stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee – is a week of celebration, learning, and recognition of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a time for all Australians to come together, honour First Nations voices, and continue walking the path of reconciliation.

Each year, NAIDOC Week has a theme that highlights a different aspect of culture, advocacy or community. Whether it's about truth-telling, healing, sovereignty, or strength, the message is clear: Australia’s First Peoples have a proud history that deserves to be celebrated and passed on to future generations.

Why NAIDOC Week Matters to Us

At Messy Bubs, we work with children during one of the most formative stages of life. These early years are vital for shaping values, identity and understanding of the world around them. That’s why introducing children to diverse cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, is something we deeply value.

We believe respect starts early. By embedding cultural experiences into our play and sensory sessions, we lay the foundation for empathy, inclusion and appreciation of Indigenous wisdom and traditions from the very beginning.

Our NAIDOC Week Activities Across Australia

We are so proud of the creative, respectful and joyful ways our franchisees have embraced NAIDOC Week over the years. From coast to coast, our messy play sessions have been filled with thoughtful and engaging activities, such as:

🖐️ Dot and Hand Painting on Paperbark – Using natural materials to express stories and connection to Country through paint and pattern.

🌈 Cloud Dough Mark Making – Our Messy Bubs have been exploring Indigenous symbols and storytelling by drawing and pressing marks into textured cloud dough, engaging both their senses and imaginations.

🐍 Bow the Rainbow Serpent – Our very own cultural friend, Bow the Rainbow Serpent, makes an appearance in our Discover Sensory sessions. Bow helps bring the Dreamtime to life through sensory storytelling, movement and colour – a gentle, age-appropriate way to introduce cultural stories with awe and wonder.

These experiences aren't just “activities” – they’re meaningful moments of sharing, connecting, and respecting culture. They encourage our families and communities to continue conversations at home, and give our Messy Bubs the chance to celebrate diversity with joy.

Bow - The Rainbow Serpent