First Nations

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC Week 2026 was celebrated from 5-12 July and it’s a time for all Australians to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This annual event, organised by the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), is a significant occasion for recognising and respecting the rich heritage and contributions of Indigenous communities.

The Importance of NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC has evolved from a day of protest and advocacy into a vibrant week of events and activities that encourage everyone to learn more about Indigenous cultures and histories. This week provides an opportunity for all Australians to deepen their understanding of the oldest living culture on earth and to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection.

This Year’s Theme: 50 Years of Deadly

This year's theme celebrates 50 Years of Deadly and is both a reflection and a declaration. It acknowledges the generations of people who refused to be silenced. It recognises the organisers, artists, activists and communities who carry NAIDOC forward year after year. 

Celebrating NAIDOC at LHC 

This year to celebrate NAIDOC week, each facility completed a varying motivate activity. Additionally, students completed a SELF lesson focusing on either:

• Dreamtime Stories
• Aboriginal Missions
• The ‘Fourth Quarter’ Adam Goodes documentary
• The Aboriginal Flag
• Pinjarra Massacre 

• Case studies – Vincent Lingiari 

   

Key significant dates on the calendar:

• 4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 
• 9 August – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 

• 2 September – Indigenous Literacy Day 

   

Taylah Moschetti - First Nations Advocate at Lilydale Heights College. 

email her at taylah.moschetti@education.vic.gov.au if you ever need a yarn. 

Until the next newsletter update!