About NAIDOC Week – celebrating a historic milestone

NAIDOC Week offers a significant opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the rich histories, enduring cultures and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respectfully acknowledge the ongoing custodianship of the lands and waterways on which we work and live.

The official NAIDOC Week, held from 5 to 12 July, will be observed through events across the department and in communities nationwide.

NAIDOC Week theme

The 2026 NAIDOC theme is ‘50 Years of Deadly’. In 2026, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone. It is 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.

As NAIDOC Week traditionally falls during the NSW winter school holidays, NSW Department of Education public schools and early learning services often stagger celebrating the event with a popular time occurring during Term 2 Weeks 10 and 11, or at the beginning of Term 3. In line with the official NAIDOC Week period (5 to 12 July) Education Support Services within the department will be officially celebrating the event.

Access the official NAIDOC resources, including posters, digital assets and educational materials to enrich classroom and community celebrations.

Our commitment

At the NSW Department of Education, fostering cultural understanding and responsiveness are central to our vision of equity and opportunity for all learners, in alignment with the Aboriginal Education Policy. NAIDOC Week 2026 serves as a cornerstone for our enduring commitment to honour and integrate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture and the diverse narratives within public education.

The Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate supports NAIDOC Week initiatives, ensuring the celebration reflects genuine engagement with Aboriginal communities and elevates the voices, histories and cultures of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people across our schools and organisation.

We are committed to:

• listening to and respecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander voices throughout the education system

• upholding the intent, vision and key actions of the NSW AECG/Department Partnership Agreement – Walking Together, Working Together

• providing culturally responsive resources and support to schools and staff

• recognising and celebrating the leadership, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities

This commitment reflects our dedication to creating a culturally inclusive and responsive learning environment for all students, where Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are supported to succeed and achieve.

School-based and early learning services activities – Term 2 Week 10 and 11 or Term 3

Schools and early learning services are encouraged to organise their own NAIDOC Week activities during Term 2 Week 10 and 11, or at the beginning of Term 3. Recognising that each school community is unique, a diverse range of events, lessons and celebrations can be facilitated to suit local contexts. Engage with your local/regional Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) and explore what you can do.

Resources sourced from the official NAIDOC website will be made available over the next few weeks to support meaningful in-school celebrations. These include educational resources, posters, artwork and digital content that uplifts the NAIDOC theme and can promote cultural understanding among students and staff together.

School and early learning services leaders and educators are encouraged to co-design celebrations with their local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, students, staff, and families, to build cultural understanding and connection.

NAIDOC Week, Parramatta event – 23 June 2026, Term 2 Week 10

On Tuesday, 23 June, from 1 to 2 pm, the department will host a special event at the Parramatta office (Level 1, 105 Phillip St), dedicated to honouring 50 years of NAIDOC Week.

This event will feature key Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, educators and leaders sharing their stories, experiences and reflections on the significance of NAIDOC Week, educational leadership and their own journey.

It will be both inspiring and informative, offering a chance for staff across the department to come together, listen and be part of this pivotal celebration. For staff unable to attend in person, the event will be recorded and shared across communication channels as soon as possible.

Hear from our staff and students – a storytelling video showcasing Aboriginal educational leaders and their legacies

As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week, an inspiring storytelling video has been produced featuring voices from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander educators, students and leaders who have shaped the NSW education system over the past 50 years.

This video will include storytelling from:

• Uncle Vic Chapman, one of the earliest Aboriginal principals

• Aunty Mary Chatfield and Aunty Ruth Simms, long-serving Aboriginal Education Officers

• Uncle Allan Hall and Aunty Doris Shillingsworth, long-serving Aboriginal staff members

• Aunty Linda Olive, long-serving colleague in Aboriginal Education and Communities

• Fiona Kelly, current Aboriginal Principal at Menindee Central School

• Adeisha Gilby-Ryan and Jaz Fusi, current student at Menindee Central School

• Anne Dennis, Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Vice President and former teacher

This video will be featured on this webpage in Week 10 and made available to schools and staff across the department. It offers a meaningful opportunity to honour our shared history while inspiring a future grounded in purposeful commitment.

Explore and engage with NAIDOC Week resources

To support schools and teams in meaningfully recognising NAIDOC Week, the department encourages all staff to actively explore and use the range of resources which will be made available through the official NAIDOC Week platform.

• Engage with your local/regional AECG and collaborate or co-design NAIDOC event planning, teaching and learning materials to enrich classroom experiences and foster cultural understanding in your school.

• Access official downloadable NAIDOC digital assets such as posters, newsletters and social media content to promote awareness and celebration within your school community once available.

• Show the NAIDOC Week storytelling video in classrooms and professional learning sessions. This will be available in Week 10.

• Organise a watch party to engage with the recording from the Parramatta NAIDOC Week event. This will be available in Week 10.

• Attend local events near you and join in the celebrations beyond the department.

• Download the Microsoft Teams backgrounds and use them as a visual symbol of your support.

We invite all educators and staff to incorporate these resources into their planning and celebrations, fostering a deeper connection with the significance of NAIDOC Week.

For further inspiration and additional materials, please visit the official NAIDOC website.

Nanga Mai Awards

Nominations for the Nanga Mai Awards are now open, inviting all staff and school communities to recognise outstanding contributions by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff and non-Aboriginal staff, schools including early learning services and community members within NSW public education.

NAIDOC Week is the perfect time to reflect on the excellent achievements and leadership in your school community or workplace and consider who you might nominate. We encourage you to use this opportunity to acknowledge those who inspire, innovate and demonstrate excellence.

For more information about how to submit a nomination, including criteria and closing dates, refer to The 21st NSW Department of Education Nanga Mai Awards.

Stay connected and involved

We encourage all department staff, school communities, students, families and stakeholders to join us in marking this milestone 50th year of NAIDOC Week.

By participating in events, using the resources, sharing stories and incorporating cultural perspectives during NAIDOC Week and beyond, we can contribute to a richer, more inclusive education system where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledge are respected and valued.