2026 was a powerful milestone in the history of NAIDOC, marking 50 years of celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme, 50 Years Deadly, honoured the strength, leadership and legacy of First Nations communities, while recognising the generations who have carried this work forward.
For Y Australia, NAIDOC Week is an important time to listen, learn and take part in community. Last year, members of the Y Australia team were honoured to participate in the Little Long Walk, joining a broader movement inspired by Michael Long’s historic 2004 walk from Melbourne toward Canberra. The Long Walk continues to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and futures on the national agenda, supporting education and cultural learning programs across Australia.
NAIDOC 2026 was celebrated across the Y in Australia, marking the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.
This year, Y Australia marked NAIDOC Week through opportunities for staff to connect, reflect and learn. Activities included the Little Long Walk and a Storytelling, Yarning and Art session led by Kiewa Austin-Rioli, a proud Gunditjmara and Tiwi Islander artist from @sweetwater.art, whose work hangs proudly in the Y Australia office.
Y Australia Staff enjoy a Yarning, Art and Culture session led by Kiewa Austin-Rioli
Across the Y, members celebrated NAIDOC week from the Y WA Newman NAIDOC Youth Ball to Y Queensland’s NAIDOC week events across the state.
NAIDOC week is an opportunity to reflect on this and celebrate community and culture, but the Y stands proudly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community every day.