Celebrating 50 years of deadly this NAIDOC Week

The Swinburne University of Technology community are coming together to celebrate “50 Years of Deadly” this NAIDOC Week 2026.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia during the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It 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 our First Nations communities. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is 50 Years of Deadly, celebrating not only how far this movement has come, but the momentum that continues to grow. It also honours those who built the foundations of NAIDOC while recognising the next generation carrying it forward.

As an organisation that actively places reconciliation at the core of our culture, Swinburne is encouraging staff, industry partners and our local community to join in a number of NAIDOC events. 

What’s on at Swinburne

The Swinburne community is encouraged to explore the seven Wurundjeri seasons through the eyes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the Hidden World on Wurundjeri Land exhibition in partnership with the City of Boroondara, running from 3 July to 8 August, with a private student showcase to be held on 7 July.

Representatives from across the university will also be attending the Victorian NAIDOC 2026 Gala Ball and the Eastern Metro Regional NAIDOC Ball.

Get involved with your local community

Swinburne staff and students are also encouraged to join local NAIDOC celebrations in the communities around our campuses.

The City of Boroondara are hosting several events to celebrate NAIDOC Week. These include a NAIDOC Week Collaborative Community painting on 6 July as well as a concert featuring award-winning pianist Coady Green celebrating the history, cultures and achievements of First Nations people, Two Visions of the Sonata: Liszt and Kouvaras on 18 July.

Knox City Council will be showcasing First Nations artists as they share their perspectives on Country, culture and connection for the Immerse arts festival from 26 June to 26 July. 

Join us for Swinburne's NAIDOC celebration in September

Staff, students and the wider community are invited to join Swinburne's 2026 NAIDOC celebration, 50 Years of Deadly: Our mob, our stories, our culture, on Wednesday 2 September at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus.

Hosted by Swinburne's Moondani Toombadool Centre, this event celebrates the power of storytelling in shaping Indigenous culture across generations through speaking, song, art, weaving and dance. The community-led celebration will recognise the stories that have underpinned NAIDOC for 50 years, while honouring the stories that continue to be created and shared. 

Running from 11.00am to 7.30pm, the event will feature Indigenous performers, artists and businesses, with activities, food, art, lectures and interactive experiences throughout the day.

Staff, students and community members are warmly invited to come together in the spirit of respect, curiosity and deep listening. 

For more information, email indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au.