Friday in the park Details
Date: 4th July 2025
Time: 10am to 4.30pm
Location: Fogarty Park, Cairns QLD
Stall Sales: Food Vendor Stalls, Pre-set Stalls, Community Stalls, Self-provided Stalls
Performers: Complete an expression of interest to perform
NAIDOC in the Park Sponsor
Queensland Unions FNQ stands with workers for fair pay, safe jobs, and strong communities—elevating local voices with a deadly union spirit.
Cairns regional council
Cairns Regional Council proudly supports a connected, inclusive, and culturally rich community—walking together to celebrate and elevate First Nations voices.
Merrissa Nona: Stalls Coordinator
Merrissa Nona has been a long-time NAIDOC Committee member, supporting the committee in its early days to establish its social media presence. She is excited to take on the role of Friday in the Park Stall Coordinator. Stepping into this position is a proud moment for Merrissa, as she continues the strong legacy of community involvement and cultural celebration established by her mentor, Aunty Lynette Dewis. Merrissa is passionate about building connections within the community and ensuring that Friday in the Park remains a vibrant, inclusive space.
Lynette Dewis: Stalls Coordinator
Lynette Dewis is a respected leader and previous Chair of the Cairns NAIDOC Committee. She has played a key role in shaping the success of Friday in the Park over the years, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride. Now mentoring Merrissa in her new role, Aunty Lynette continues to support the next generation of leaders, passing on knowledge and guidance to ensure that NAIDOC traditions thrive in the community.
Nathan Williams: Official Opening Coordinator
On his father’s side, Nathan Williams has family links to Kem Le, with traditional lands being Tag’ed and Mam r’ed from Ugar (Stephen Island) in the Torres Strait. On his mother’s side, he has family connections to the Guugu Yimithirr people at Battle Camp, Laura in Cape York.
Born and raised in Cairns, Nathan remains close with his family, especially his cousins. As the youngest of six children, parents and older siblings were his biggest influences especially with his brother who encouraged him to pursue further education. With that support, Nathan went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
He began his career at the local Indigenous radio station, Bumma Bippera Media, as a trainee journalist in the mid-1990s. After a period working in journalism, he transitioned into the public service, building a career that has spanned more than 20 years across local, state, and federal government.
Nathan is deeply passionate about his community and has been a committed member of the Cairns NAIDOC Committee since 2009. He hopes to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people stand proud in their identity and celebrate the strength, culture, and excellence of our people in and on our own Country.
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About the committee
The Cairns NAIDOC Committee is made up of 100% volunteers — mob and community who give their time, knowledge, and heart without pay, because standing for culture is non-negotiable.
We proudly secure government funding, corporate sponsorships, and generate ticket sales to cover the costs of delivering NAIDOC events.
But the Committee itself remains fully volunteer-run.
Every meeting, every late-night email, every big decision — it’s all carried by the hands of people committed to seeing our culture thrive.