NAIDOC 2026
NAIDOC Week 2026 — '50 Years of Deadly'
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National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2026 will occur during the school holidays, from 5 to 12 July. It is one of the most significant events on the national calendar — a week dedicated to celebrating and honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We encourage all members of the Sandringham College community to engage with its meaning. We will be celebrating in Week 1 of Term 3 with a free dress day on Thursday 16th of July - students are asked to wear the colours of the Aboriginal flag - red, black and yellow.
What is NAIDOC Week?
The origins of NAIDOC Week date back to the 1920s, during a period of significant political activism by Aboriginal groups seeking to address injustices and inequality faced by Indigenous Australians. Originally emerging from the Day of Mourning in 1938, NAIDOC Week evolved from a protest for rights and recognition into a celebration of culture and community — a transformation that showcases the resilience and enduring spirit of Indigenous Australians, celebrating over 65,000 years of rich cultural heritage. It became a nationally recognised event in 1975.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
The 2026 Theme: 50 Years of Deadly
This year’s theme - 50 Years of Deadly - marks five decades of NAIDOC Week, a week dedicated to amplifying and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. It is acknowledging the strength it has taken to reach this milestone with a focus on organisers, artists, activists, and communities who carried NAIDOC forward year after year.
In Aboriginal English, the word “deadly” means excellent, extraordinary, and something to be deeply proud of — and fifty years of NAIDOC is exactly that.
Why It Matters in Schools
Education plays a critical role during NAIDOC Week, as schools and educational institutions participate by hosting assemblies, workshops, and activities that focus on the history and culture of Indigenous Australians — fostering a greater understanding and respect among young Australians, and building a foundation of reconciliation and mutual respect.
At Sandringham College, NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect, listen, and act with the integrity of our community values. Fifty years of NAIDOC is a remarkable milestone for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander community - truly Deadly!
For information on local events and resources, visit naidoc.org.au.
NAIDOC Week at Sandringham College
Sandringham College will be celebrating NAIDOC Week in Week 1 of Term 3 (July 13–17). Our student leaders are organising a range of engaging activities to be held during recess and lunchtime, including Indigenous ball sports, musical performance, puzzle making, dot painting, boomerang decorating, and badge making. As part of our commitment to respect and care for Country, we will also hold a clean-up day focused on looking after the environment and the Indigenous lands on which we learn.
To further mark the occasion, an out-of-uniform day will take place on Thursday July 16, where students are encouraged to wear the colours of the Aboriginal flag (yellow, red, and black) in recognition and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.