From bustling street marches and flag-raising ceremonies to art exhibitions, community barbecues, children’s activities and sporting events, communities across the New England embraced this year’s NAIDOC Week with a shared message of pride, connection and celebration.
Held under the theme “50 Years of Deadly,” the week recognised five decades of the national NAIDOC movement while celebrating the enduring history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Across the region, communities also reflected on the generations of Elders, leaders, artists, activists and everyday people whose contributions have helped shape the past and inspire the future.
In Armidale, hundreds of people walked together through the CBD before gathering for speeches recognising the significance of the milestone year. The celebrations continued with a Family Fun Day featuring cultural experiences, entertainment and activities for all ages.
Armidale Regional Councillor Brad Widders said the week was a credit to everyone who worked behind the scenes.
“Well done to the Armidale community for a wonderful NAIDOC Week,” Cr Widders said.
“A massive shoutout to all those who helped put together and plan the activities and do all the little behind-the-scenes actions.”
The celebrations also extended onto the basketball court, where Pathfinders and Armidale Basketball hosted a day of games and activities at The Den, giving children and young people another opportunity to come together through sport.
Tamworth’s celebrations reflected both the history and future of NAIDOC Week. Tamworth Hospital marked the occasion with a flag-raising ceremony honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while community representatives Peter Gebadi, Eunice Kennedy, Peter White Junior and Ross Briggs raised the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags.
For Tamworth Regional Councillor Marc Sutherland, one of the standout moments came as more than 150 young people performed traditional dances before their families, friends and Elders.
“Seeing so many young people embrace their culture with such pride, confidence and joy was incredibly inspiring,” Cr Sutherland said.
“Watching these young people dance, I realised we weren’t just celebrating 50 Years of Deadly. We were witnessing the beginning of the next 50 years, where Gomeroi culture continues to grow stronger with every generation.”
In Moree, community members gathered at Moree Plains Shire Council’s Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre for morning tea and a photographic exhibition before marching together to Moree Memorial Hall.
Mayor Susannah Pearse said the celebrations highlighted both the region’s rich history and its ongoing journey.
“Our region is proud to be home to the world’s oldest living culture, and NAIDOC Week is about celebrating our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures while recognising the work that still needs to be done,” Cr Pearse said.
Walhallow hosted one of the Liverpool Plains’ bigger community gatherings, with a heartfelt Welcome by Aunty Lorraine Nean followed by a Welcome to Country in Gamilaraay language by Jason Allan.
Aunty Daphne Allen and her daughter Heather cut the celebration cake before families enjoyed music from DJ Noiz, appearances by Wests Tigers NRL players Ethan Roberts and Kai Pearce-Paul, and a community lunch prepared by local favourites Aunty Sal and Aunty Raylene.
The Liverpool Plains celebrations also showcased local artistic talent through a week-long NAIDOC art exhibition in Quirindi.
Organisers said the exhibition brought the community together to celebrate the stories, creativity and voices of local First Nations artists. They thanked the artists, volunteers and Elders who helped make the exhibition possible, acknowledged Uncle Dave Austin as Artist in Residence and congratulated young Kamilaroi artist Alexis Slater on curating and producing her first official exhibition on her home Country.
In Glen Innes, community members gathered on Ngarabul Country for a flag-raising ceremony before marching through town and continuing the celebrations with a community gathering at the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library.
Following the event, Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council thanked everyone who attended the opening ceremony, saying the community’s support created “a wonderful atmosphere of community, connection and celebration” while honouring the history, culture, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Uralla Shire marked NAIDOC Week today with a moving ceremony in front of the library. A Smoking Ceremony was led by Kristian Sternbeck, while Aunty Pam Meehan performed the Welcome to Country.
Families also embraced the week in Walcha, where children enjoyed stories, songs, craft and activities celebrating Indigenous culture during a special NAIDOC Storytime at the town library.
Inverell’s celebrations combined community activities with art and creativity. The Aquatic Centre hosted a free community barbecue and colouring competition, while the Inverell Art Gallery showcased a NAIDOC exhibition featuring artwork by school children from across the shire alongside significant pieces from the council’s collection.
Mayor Kate Dight congratulated everyone involved in the exhibition, describing it as an excellent celebration of 50 Years of Deadly.
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Gunnedah also celebrated through art, with the official opening of the 2026 NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition showcasing the creativity and stories of the local community. Gunnedah Shire Council encouraged residents to visit the exhibition over the coming weeks, highlighting the time and talent invested by local artists. Among the standout displays was a collaborative artwork created by Gunnedah High School’s Years 7 and 8 students and the Dhiiyaan unit, featuring every NAIDOC Week theme from the past 50 years. The opening also featured a performance by Deadly Dance Studio, while Arts North West supported the exhibition’s curation through Bundjalung and Gomeroi woman Hollie Crawford.
Narrabri also celebrated with a strong focus on community collaboration. Local organisations joined forces to host a combined community celebration featuring a barbecue, entertainment, games, face painting and a dedicated Elders’ area, bringing residents together for a single inclusive event.
While every town celebrated in its own way, the message across the New England and North West was remarkably similar: honour the past, celebrate the present and invest in the next generation. Fifty years after the modern NAIDOC movement began, communities across the region demonstrated that culture, connection and respect continue to bring people together.
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