NAIDOC 2026! 50 Years of Deadly!

5th - 12th of July

Each Year we celebrate the lives and acknowledge the history and culture of our First Nation Peoples.

This year there are a number of events that are available around our local communities. We encourage you to check out these events happening in our communities.

50 Years of Deadly: NAIDOC Week Posters from 1976 to 2026 Exhibition

When: Open until the 26^th of July 9.00am to 5.00pm ; Location : ArtSpace at Realm, 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood VIC 3134 

This exhibition recognises the “extraordinary breadth of artistic styles and tell a compelling story of strength, resilience and action” as it displays the NAIDOC posters of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the last 50 years. 

More information online at : https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/Things-to-see-and-do-in-Maroondah/NAIDOC-Week/50-Years-of-Deadly-NAIDOC-Week-Posters-from-1976-to-2026

From Darkness to Light – A Journey Through Country and Spirit Exhibition

When: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 11th July (9.30am to 1pm, the exhibitions last day) Location: Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood, 3134 

This exhibition displays the work of Wemba Wemba artist Jason Deane as he explores “a powerful journey of reconnection with culture, Country and spirit”. Inspired by the memory of his father and guided by First Nation Elders the work represents resilience and connections between past, present and future.

More information online at : https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/ArtsInMaroondah/Arts-venues-and-spaces/Maroondah-Federation-Estate-Gallery/From-Darkness-to-Light-A-Journey-Through-Country-and-Spirit

NAIDOC Week Art Tour with Jason Deane

When: Saturday 11th July 10am to 11.30am Location: Meet by the Customer Service Desk at the Realm, 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood VIC 3134.

This walking tour led by Wemba Wemba artist Jason Deane, will begin at the 50 years Deadly Poster Exhibition, before heading to the Marooandah Federation Estate Gallery to view Jason’s exhibition “From Darkness to Light: A Journey Through Country and Spirit and Murrawarri artist Garen Smith and Belinda Mason’s exhibition Serving Country that recognises the First Nation men and women who have and are serving in the Australian Defence Force.

Register online at : https://au.openforms.com/Form/b46a61c4-946a-4545-9a29-c88864c65ee4

More information online at : https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/ArtsInMaroondah/Arts-things-to-see-and-do/Talks-and-Tours/NAIDOC-Week-Art-Tour

Serving Country Exhibition

When: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.pm and Saturday 11th July (9.30am to 1pm, the exhibitions last day) Location: Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood, 3134 

First created 12 years ago this exhibition recognising the lives and art of First Nation service men and women has grown to included over 500 portraits and stories from Australian Veterans reflecting on their service, sacrifice, resilience and identity. The exhibition also includes works by Murrawarri artist Garen Smith reflecting on his time in the Defence Force.  

More information online at: https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/ArtsInMaroondah/Arts-venues-and-spaces/Maroondah-Federation-Estate-Gallery/Serving-Country

Book Launch: Walking the Plenty River

When: Wednesday 8^th of July 10.30am to 12.00pm Location: Diamond Valley Library, 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough, 3088 

Join Anne Paul along with the Greensborough Historical Society, as she celebrates the release of her new book “Walking the Kurrum Yallock (Plenty River): History, Heritage and Environment Part Two.”

Copies will be available to buy on the day.(Cash sales only.)

Please RSVP as there are limited seats : https://yprl.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=1800027 

More information: https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Explore/Events-and-festivals/Events-calendar/Book-Launch-Walking-the-Plenty-River

Walking Trails open all year round: 

The Gawa Wurundjeri Resource Trail

770 Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Kangaroo Ground 3097 

A self guided 340m loop walking track with information about how the Wurundjeri clan lived and used the land. 

More information at: https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Explore/Parks-reserves-and-playgrounds/Gawa-Reserve

Wurundjeri Stories at Pound Bend

Pound Bend Reserve, Warrandyte State Park

Wander upstream by the river path to find the 6 interpretive signs as we reflect and explore the history and cultural of the Wurundjeri people.

More information : https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/uploads/Wurundjeri%20Visitors%20Guide.pdf

To learn more about the history and importance of NAIDOC, check out the NAIDOC website at https://www.naidoc.org.au/