Fifty Years of Deadly - What’s on during NAIDOC Week 2026
Published on 17 June 2026
NAIDOC Week celebrations are being held across the country from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July 2026, 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. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the week.
Don't Miss this Event!
Come and join us as we celebrate NAIDOC Week at Woollahra Library at Double Bay.
Meet the Reptiles with Uncle Col
Meet Australian wildlife up close with Colin Hardy OAM (Uncle Col), Brewarrina Elder, storyteller and musician, who will teach us about native animals and their connections to The Dreaming and the land.
When: Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Woollahra Library at Double Bay, 451 New South Head Road, Double Bay
Book Now!
Native plant giveaway and Banksia garden tour
During our NAIDOC week event at Double Bay Library on Sat 11 July, we will be also celebrating 20 years of Bushcare with our volunteers who care for Country and you’re invited to tour the Library’s new Banksia garden. Plus we will also be giving away plants locally native to Sydney. The plants are supplied as tubestock - young plants that will require regular watering for the first six weeks after being planted to support healthy growth and establishment.
Explore Native Plants, Storytime & Craft
Discover the beauty and importance of native plants through hands-on activities, storytime and creative craft sessions. Join us to learn about local species, caring for Country and the Library’s new Banksia garden as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and 20 years of Bushcare.
When: Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Woollahra Library at Double Bay, 451 New South Head Road, Double Bay
Please book tickets for participating children (3 years and above only). Parents and carers are not required to book and must remain in the space for the duration of the session. Spots are limited.
Book Now!
20 Years of Bushcare
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, we also recognise the important role that caring for Country plays in protecting and restoring our local environment. This year marks 20 years of Woollahra's Bushcare program, where volunteers work alongside Council staff to regenerate bushland, plant thousands of native seedlings and remove invasive weeds across our parks and reserves. The Library's new Banksia garden is a fitting place to celebrate both milestones, highlighting the connection between native plants, community care and the enduring knowledge and traditions of First Nations people. Find out how you can volunteer.
Join our National Tree Planting Event
Inspired to get involved? You can continue the spirit of NAIDOC Week and connect with nature at our National Tree Day planting event on Sunday 26 July at Cooper Park. Join Council staff and local volunteers to help plant native species, create habitat for wildlife and contribute to the ongoing restoration of one of our treasured local bushland reserves. It's a great opportunity for individuals, families and community groups to get their hands dirty and enhance and protect our natural areas for future generations.
All plants will be supplied by Woollahra Council along with gloves and tools. After your planting join us for a snack and let the kids take part in our interactive native wildlife program.
When: Sunday, 26 July 2026 | 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Cooper Park,Northland Road, near the corner of Holland Road,Bellevue Hill.
Register for free
Native plant giveaway
Woollahra Council has partnered with IndigiGrow plant nursery at La Perouse to offer two free native plants to Woollahra household. Operating as a not-for-profit social enterprise, Indigigrow employs and trains young First Nations people providing ongoing links to Country and a continuation of knowledge.
All plants included in this giveaway are locally native to Sydney. A range of local species are available to suit full sun, shaded areas and verandah settings. Native plants are perfectly adapted to our coastal environment, requiring less water and maintenance while thriving in local conditions. They also provide food and habitat for wildlife, boost biodiversity and help create greener, cooler and more resilient neighbourhoods.
Find out more and claim your free plants.
2026 NAIDOC Week Theme
The 2026 theme is "50 Years of Deadly".
Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s 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.
And it’s about the future. The next 50 years. The young ones growing up proud. The return of language. The return to Country. The fight for justice continuing with new tools, new voices, and the same fire.
Fifty Years of Deadly is a marker, not just of time passed, but of the momentum still building. It’s proof of what our people build when culture leads and community comes first. NAIDOC belongs to mob. It always has.
NAIDOC Week events
Recommended Reading
Our library team have put together a NAIDOC Week-themed collection of books and e-books that are available to borrow from our eCollection or off the shelf.
Have a read here.
Where to find binoculars?
Along the east coast of New South Wales, the presence of whales in Aboriginal culture is embedded in many forms, from Dreaming stories to whales recognised as totem animals for various language groups. Rock engravings and contemporary stories show the strong relationship between local Aboriginal People, whales and The Dreaming.
As you stroll along our coastal pathways this whale season look out for our public binoculars and whale signs at Jacobs Ladder in Gap Park and the southern corner of Christison Park. We've put these in place to help everyone observe and learn more about our whales, other marine mammals and coastal birds.
Dharawal artist Shane Youngberry created the spirit animal engraving artworks for Lyne Park. The word Naggangbi means "hello / greetings" in the Dharawal language
Spirit Animal Engravings in Lyne Park Playground
Lyne Park Inclusive Playground and Intergenerational Activity Trail was officially opened last year after an extensive upgrade. The playground features a range of imaginative and inclusive recreational experiences for all ages and abilities, including a double flying fox, sensory walkway, water play zone, nature play area for older children, bike track and accessibility elements.
In recognition and celebration of the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal and Birrabirrigal people, engravings of spirit animals of local significance and Dharawal language words of welcome are incorporated into the playground’s concrete footpaths.
Offering an interactive, educational and textural play experience, the engravings by artist Shane Youngberry are a reminder of First Nations People’s connection to country.
Can you spot all the spirit animal engravings along Lyne Park paths
Welcome to Country
Woollahra Council acknowledges that we are on the land of the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Burri burri migration By: Jordan Ardler
Ray Ingrey, Chairperson of the Gujaga Foundation, explains the significance of Welcome to Country and showcases a traditional Aboriginal dance performed by the Gamay Dancers.
Learn about the Dharawal language with the Gujaga Foundation and the Gujaga App
Did you know the word “Naggangbi” means “Hello” in the Dharawal language (the language spoken by the traditional owners of Coastal Sydney).
Discover more about our local Aboriginal culture by downloading the Gujaga App.
We have been offering Dharawal language classes at Woollahra Preschool, to give children the opportunity to learn the Dharawal language and their feedback and enthusiasm has been fantastic.
For more information, please visit:
Dharawal language classes at Woollahra Preschool
Woollahra Aboriginal Heritage Study and our Reconciliation Action Plan
Woollahra Council began its reconciliation journey in 2021 with the development of a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 3MB) (RAP), laying the groundwork to embed reconciliation principles into our operations.
Building on this foundation, we proudly progressed to our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 9MB), endorsed by Reconciliation Australia on 14 November 2025. This plan was adopted by Council in October 2025 alongside our updated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols and Guidelines(PDF, 785KB). The Innovate RAP sets out practical actions to strengthen relationships, respect, and opportunities in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Both RAPs were developed collaboratively with La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, Gujaga Foundation, Gamay Rangers, and our internal RAP Working Group comprising Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff. This group will continue to guide implementation and staff engagement throughout the Innovate RAP’s lifecycle (January 2026 - December 2027).
This work reflects our ongoing commitment to meaningful engagement and a more inclusive future with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Visit our Stingray at Woollahra Council Customer Service Centre
Next time you are in the Woollahra area, be sure to pop by the Woollahra Council Customer Service Centre to admire our Nawarlah (Stingray) 2022 artwork by indigenous artist Philomena Namundja. The artwork was purchased by Council during the Heart in Art exhibition in June/July 2022 held at the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf.
Philomena Namundja - Nawarlah (Stingray) 2022