Today is the start of NAIDOC Week and the Minns Labor Government is committing more than $522,000 in grant funding to help communities across NSW celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The NAIDOC Grants Program empowers community-driven celebrations that provide opportunities for people across NSW to connect to Aboriginal culture and country.
Across the state 116 community organisations and groups have received between $1500 and $5000 of funding to support local activities aligned with this year's NAIDOC Week theme: '50 Years of Deadly'.
Some of the funded initiatives include:
- Cultural talks and traditional canoe building workshops, sharing knowledge and stories for learning, connection, and respect on Worimi Country in the Hunter.
- A vibrant cultural showcase celebrating the creativity, resilience and stories of four generations of First Nations artists in a gallery exhibition on the NSW South Coast.
- A stolen generations NAIDOC picnic day at the at the Murama Healing Space and danceground at Sydney Olympic Park.
- A '50 years of Deadly' celebration of culture at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre in Forbes.
- A youth rugby league and league tag gala day on Wiradjuri Country in Bathurst.
- A welcome baby to country ceremony conducted by Mudgin-Gai Women's Aboriginal Corporation in Newtown honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies born into the community.
- A community bush tucker BBQ on Wiradjuri country in Condobolin.
- A combined community NAIDOC day netball competition on Darkinjung country on the Central Coast.
To find out more about the recipients and upcoming grant opportunities, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/aboriginal-outcomes/grants-and-funding
For a list of 2026 NAIDOC Grants Program recipients visit: 2026-naidoc-grants-successful-applicants.xlsx
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"The NSW Government is proud to support communities across the state deliver meaningful celebrations this NAIDOC Week.
"These events showcase the strength, resilience and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with communities leading the way in how they share and celebrate the oldest continuous living cultures on earth.
"This year's theme, '50 years of Deadly' marks an important milestone, celebrating five decades of achievement, leadership and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"I encourage everyone to get out and attend a local NAIDOC event this week. They are an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate together."
CEO Link-up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Lynne Kinghan said:
"Link-Up NSW is honoured to receive support through the 2026 NAIDOC Grants Program to host our Stolen Generations NAIDOC Picnic Day at the Murama Dance Ground in Sydney Olympic Park.
"This event will bring together Stolen Generations Survivors community, their families, Elders, and community members to celebrate culture, resilience, healing, and connection.
"It will be a day of sharing stories, enjoying cultural performances and community activities, and recognising the strength of those who have walked the journey of reconnection and healing."
Director Gummipingal Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Shawn Stowe said:
"The Gummipingal Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is proud to deliver Cultural Talks and Traditional Canoe Building Workshops on Worimi Country as part of our 2026 NAIDOC activities.
"The project will bring Aboriginal community members, young people, Elders and the wider community together to share cultural knowledge, stories, traditional practices and our ongoing connection to Country."
Centre Manager Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation Kristy Thomas said:
"The grant ensures that this celebration of Aboriginal identity, creativity, and inter-generational storytelling is delivered with the care, resourcing, and recognition it deserves, honouring NAIDOC Week's spirit of coming together to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
