NAIDOC week 2026

50 Years of Deadly

For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of our communities — steady, unapologetic, and proud. Each year, its themes have called for truth, celebrated culture, honoured resistance, and reminded the nation of who we are.

Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up, year after year.

What's on this NAIDOC week?

Marrumbang: Kay A art exhibition - Monday, 06 July 2026 | 02:00 PM to Thursday, 09 July 2026 | 03:00 PM

Marrumbang, the Wiradjuri word for kindness and/or love, connects artist Kay A to family, earth, sky and water. 

The artworks in this contemporary Aboriginal art exhibition, on the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC, encourage recognition and appreciation of Saltwater Country.

Kay A is a proud Wiradjuri Woman of the Galari Clan, Cowra, and knows her father and grandparents would be proud to see how she acknowledges and respects Country where she lives now as a guest of the Wodi Wodi people on Dharawal land.

Showing at the Gerringong Library and Museum Gallery. Open daily, 6-9 July, 10am - 3pm. No need to book, just drop in.

 

Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2026 - Council is a proud partner of this event, hosted by City of Wollongong City Council on 18 July.

The Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards recognise the talents, achievements and outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond. The awards also promote issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the wider community including working towards reconciliation.

The event is organised collaboratively by four councils: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven.

The first Regional NAIDOC Awards were held in 2011, hosted by Wollongong City Council. Each year, the Awards are hosted in turn by one of the participating four Councils.

Kiama is hosting the 2027 Regional NAIDOC Awards.

When