NAIDOC Week 2026 (5–12 July) marks 50 Years of Deadly, and CCQ’s NAIDOC Week Community Grants are supporting local organisations across Central Queensland, Wide Bay and the Sunshine Coast to celebrate culture, connection and community leadership.
This year’s theme honours five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, cultural pride and recognition, while paying tribute to the Elders, communities and organisers who have carried NAIDOC forward and continue to shape its future.
Central Queensland
| Yoonthalla Services Woorabinda | NAIDOC Elders morning tea celebrating Elders, culture and community in Woorabinda. |
| Bidgerdii Community Services | Three NAIDOC Week events across Rockhampton, Mount Morgan and Blackwater, including a youth basketball tournament and Elders morning teas. |
| Woopaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation | NAIDOC ranger showcase highlighting land and sea restoration, cultural reconnection and youth leadership on Country. |
| Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID) | NAIDOC community event in Rockhampton supporting storytelling, art and connection to Country. Friday 10 July 9am-3pm. |
Wide Bay
Eidsvold Wakka Wakka  | Elders morning tea in Eidsvold celebrating Wakka Wakka Elders, culture and intergenerational connection.  |
| Maryborough Women’s Yarning Group Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation  | Talent showcase (Murri’s Got Talent) celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers across the Fraser Coast during NAIDOC Week. Sunday 12 July, 10am.  |
| Kal’ang Community Care Aboriginal Corporation  | Indigenous art showcase celebrating culture through art, dance, workshops and community connection. |
| Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation  | Whale watching experience connecting Elders with Sea Country to share cultural knowledge and strengthen intergenerational connection during NAIDOC Week.   |
| Indigenous Wellbeing Centre  | NAIDOC Block Party and Elders Lunch celebrating culture, community connection and the contributions of Elders in Bundaberg.  |
Sunshine Coast
| REFOCUS | NAIDOC community event in Gympie following a flag raising, with stalls, cultural activities, food vendors and family activities. Monday 6 July, 10am – 2pm. |
| GATHAA First Nations Markets | NAIDOC youth market celebrating culture, creativity and entrepreneurship through performances, workshops and mentoring. Coolum Civic Centre, Sunday 23 August, 9am – 2pm. |
| Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Family Fun Day | NAIDOC Family Fun Day celebrating culture through performances and community activities. Sunday 5 July, 10am – 4pm. |
For more information about NAIDOC events and activities in your region, visit the NAIDOC website.
Fifty years on, NAIDOC Week continues to be led by community, for community. Through the CCQ NAIDOC Week Community Grants, we wanted to support local organisations bringing people together in ways that reflect culture, connection and pride across our region.
Origins of NAIDOC
NAIDOC Week has deep roots in the long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy, recognition and community leadership.
Its origins trace back to the 1920s, when Aboriginal groups worked to raise awareness of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Over time, this movement grew into a national week of celebration, recognition and pride.
Today, NAIDOC Week celebrates the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.