NAIDOC Week 2026 – 50 Years of Deadly
NAIDOC stands for The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, a group that makes key decisions regarding national celebrations each year on behalf of all First Nations people. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday, July 5th-12th 2026.
NAIDOC week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
This year’s theme is 50 Years of Deadly, a tribute to the Elders, organisers, artists and communities who built this movement. The theme is a marker, not just of time passed, but of the momentum still building.
Ballarat Community Health acknowledges the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and within our Ballarat community. In the spirit of reconciliation, we have recently reviewed and updated our Statement of Commitment. This document is our pledge to work in partnership with Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations and the Traditional Custodians of the Lands where we provide services.
pdf Statement of Commitment Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation
In Statements of Commitment 1 download
In the spirit of reconciliation and self-determination, this Statement of Commitment is our pledge to work in partnership with Aboriginal community controlled health organisations and the Traditional Custodians of the Lands where we provide services – the Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Djab Wurrung, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples – to support the Korin Korin Balit-Djak1 vision for self-determining, healthy and safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities in Victoria.
As part of our commitment, Ballarat Community Health are proud to be implementing our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This document provides an opportunity to understand our sphere of influence on a deeper level, and sets out the ways in which we can meaningfully advance reconciliation efforts at our organisation. A digital version of the RAP is now available for download on this page.
pdf Ballarat Community Health Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026-2028
In Position Statements
The Ballarat Community Health Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026-2028. sets out BCH’s continued commitment to progress strategies which are inclusive and empowering of First Nations people in our workplaces and community.This is a second Innovate RAP for Ballarat Community Health, building on the commitments and achievements of previous plans. Each RAP has taken usfurther along the path of reconciliation through growing relationships, respect, and inclusion.
In the coming months, BCH will work with three young First Nations artists based in Ballarat to acquire artworks for use in the printed version of the RAP. Nioka Nalder, Ashleigh Kanoa and Amaiyah Edwards are the three artists to be featured, each working on a piece of art that represents connection, healing and community.
Learn more
Reconciliation Australia reconciliation.org.au
NAIDOC naidoc.org.au