Central Highlands to celebrate 50 Years of Deadly for NAIDOC Week 2026

Council invites the community to come together for NAIDOC Week 2026, with free family-friendly celebrations planned in Emerald and Blackwater to honour the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s national NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks five decades of NAIDOC Week and recognises the generations of Elders, organisers, artists, leaders and communities who have kept culture, connection and truth-telling at the heart of the movement.

The Central Highlands celebrations will continue the region’s proud tradition of coming together through flag raising ceremonies, community marches, cultural dance and family activity days including stalls, kids’ activities and free barbecue.

Emerald NAIDOC celebrations – Friday 10 July 2026

• 9.30 am flag raising ceremony at the Council Forecourt

• 10.00 am march from Egerton Street to Lions Park

• 10.30 am until 2.00 pm family day at Lions Park including cultural dance performance, information stalls, kids’ activities, coffee van and free barbecue.

Download the Emerald NAIDOC CHRC External Stall holder Registration form 2026

Council encourages residents, schools, community groups and visitors to take part in the celebrations and show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the region. 

For more information, contact Central Highlands Regional Council on 1300 242 686.