Image credit: NAIDOC Week March, Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation 2025, by Tymunna Clements
City of Darwin is pleased to announce the successful recipients of its NAIDOC Week 2026 and Reconciliation Week 2027 Grants Program, supporting a diverse range of community-led events and initiatives.
The NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week grants aim to assist community events and initiatives taking place during NAIDOC Week 2026 (5 - 12 July 2026) and Reconciliation Week 2027 (27 May - 3 June 2027), helping to celebrate First Nations culture and strengthen community connection.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the program continues to play an important role in supporting meaningful community-led celebrations.
"NAIDOC Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples, and Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared history," Mr Styles said.
"These grants help bring those values to life through events and activities that are led by community, for the community."
"Funding has been awarded to activities that celebrate Larrakia or other First Nations achievements and history, activities that connect community and encourage participation and activities that actively promote Reconciliation.
"I'm pleased to see a range of events and activities taking place across Darwin that highlight culture, health, sport, enterprise, fashion and inclusion," he said.
All events will be delivered within the Darwin municipality and are designed to be inclusive and accessible to the broader community.
The full list of grant recipients is as follows:
- Hoops 4 Health will deliver a high-energy, community-focused activation on the Darwin Esplanade during NAIDOC Week 2026.
- Deadly Vision Centre will host the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival, a free, community-led health promotion event held annually during NAIDOC Week 2026 in Darwin.
- King Studios Australia will host The First Collective - Timeless Threads, a First Nations-led runway show to be held during NAIDOC Week at Rapid Creek Village.
- Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network will host a NAIDOC event at Cullen Bay, featuring a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, enterprise and community.
- TRACKS Care will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disability to actively participate in Darwin's NAIDOC Week community celebrations.
- Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation will host a NAIDOC Week community event at Darwin Corporate Park.
NAIDOC week is a week-long celebration held in July, celebrating the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people.
The theme for 2026 is "50 Years of Deadly," focused on honouring the past, recognising the strength of today's communities and looking forward to the future.
