We welcome you to be part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations!

NAIDOC Week is a week-long observation celebrating the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The 2026 theme is “50 Years of Deadly”, celebrating five decades of Blak excellence, cultural strength, creativity and leadership, while honouring those whose legacies continue to shape the future. For more than 50 years, NAIDOC Week has provided a national platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, stories and achievement. From activism and protest to art, music, language revitalisation and community leadership, NAIDOC has become one of the country’s most powerful celebrations of First Nations culture and identity.

As part of our continued Reconciliation journey, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has again chosen to sponsor a tent stall at this widely celebrated event.

We encourage staff and community members to attend the NAIDOC Week Community Flag Raising, followed by a Procession from Civic Park to Foreshore Park where the Awabakal Newcastle 2026 NAIDOC Community Festival is being held.

There is an opportunity for you to assist for a period during the day (Register your interest before the 17th of June!) here.

Our stall will be set up on the oval, by the stage; come and say hi!

Enquiries can be sent to E: [email protected] 

Over the past six months, we have sadly lost three very significant Elders in our Aboriginal community. These women were strong trailblazers in our communities locally, nationally, and internationally. 🖤💛❤️

✨ Aunty Louise Campbell
✨ Aunty Gloria Smith
✨ Aunty Elsie Heiss

Their wisdom, leadership, advocacy, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.