From Bankstown to the Gold Coast, KARI teams were proud to celebrate culture, connection and community during NAIDOC Week 2026.
This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, recognised five decades of NAIDOC Week and honoured the Elders, organisers, artists and communities who have strengthened and carried the movement forward.
KARI began the celebrations at Bankstown before joining Fairfield City Council NAIDOC on Tuesday 7 July. Wednesday 8 July was a particularly busy day, with our teams attending AbSec NAIDOC and Liverpool City Council NAIDOC in New South Wales, as well as Gold Coast NAIDOC in Queensland. We were scheduled to attend Kurranulla NAIDOC on Thursday 9 July; however, wet weather led to the cancellation of the outdoor stalls. As KARI had planned an outdoor setup, our team was unable to participate as intended. The celebrations continued at Penrith City Council NAIDOC on Friday 10 July and Burramatta NAIDOC on Saturday 11 July and beyond the official week at Tharawal AMS NAIDOC on Thursday 16 July.Across the events, KARI’s Carer Recruitment Team connected with community members and shared information about becoming a foster carer. These conversations provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of the ongoing need for more Aboriginal carers and explain the culturally informed guidance and support KARI provides throughout the caring journey.
Our Community Programs Team and, the team from the Greater Western Sydney Opportunity Hub also spent the week connecting with children, young people and families. The KARI Spear Throwing Inflatable was a popular activity, encouraging people of all ages to get involved and have fun. The teams also delivered Optus Donate Your Data SIM activations, helping community members access the initiative while sharing information about KARI’s broader programs, services and opportunities.
Each celebration had its own energy, but the sense of pride, belonging and connection was shared across every location. The events gave our teams the chance to strengthen relationships with families, local organisations and service providers, while listening to community and ensuring people know where they can turn for support. KARI thanks the Elders, councils, Aboriginal organisations, event organisers, partners and volunteers who made these celebrations possible. Most importantly, we thank everyone who visited our teams, joined an activity, had a yarn or celebrated alongside us.
We are proud to stand with community during NAIDOC Week and throughout the year, continuing to celebrate Aboriginal excellence, strengthen connection and keep culture at the heart of everything we do.
