NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC week

NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 5–12 July 2026. City of Newcastle is hosting and supporting a program of events at a range of venues across the city.

Keep an eye on this page for updates and new information.

2026 highlights

• Monday 6 July - Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC March and Festival: Proudly supported by City of Newcastle, enjoy live music, traditional dance, food and stalls. Monday 6 July, 9am-2pm, Civic Park march to Newcastle Foreshore festival. For more information, take a look at Awabakal Ltd facebook posts. 
• 7-10 July - LEGO printmaking in the Multiverse holiday workshop: Inspired by the printmaking practice of Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson, children will be guided by our art educators to design and create their own LEGO print. Newcastle Art Gallery on 7-10 July, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm. $30/child. More information.
• Wednesday 8 July - LitUp Presents Dub Leffler: Award-winning author and illustrator Dub Leffler will host an inspiring one-hour all-ages workshop, sharing his creative process and leading engaging drawing activities for all to share. Newcastle Library on Wednesday 8 July, 11am-12pm. More information.
• Thursday 9 July - Natural Art & Silent Disco with Uncle Amos Simon: learn how to make rope from stringybark and make an artwork using natural materials with Uncle Amos Simon, proud Worimi, Birpai and Wiradjuri man. Share in Awabakal, Gathang and Wiradjuri language and enjoy music by Aboriginal artists in a mini silent disco. Newcastle Library on Thursday 9 July, 10–11am and 11:30am–12:30pm. More information.
• Friday 10 July - Family friend beading activity: Sit together to create colourful jewellery and reflect on what ‘50 Years of Deadly’ means to you and your family. You can make your own bracelet, necklace or keyring using beads inspired by the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. Wallsend Library on 10 July, 10.30-11.30am. More information.

About NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 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.

For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of Aboriginal communities — steady, unapologetic, and proud. Each year, the themes have called for truth, celebrated culture, honoured resistance, and reminded the nation of who Aboriginal people are. This moment is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, the leadership. It’s also about the here and now, who we are today.