Date / Frequency July 2026 Time 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Location Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre12 Captains Ln, Fremantle WA 6160 Get directions For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of our communities — steady, unapologetic, and proud. Add to calendar Each year, its themes have called for truth, celebrated culture, honoured resistance, and reminded the nation of who we are. Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up, year after year. NAIDOC has always been more than a week — it’s a platform, a protest, a celebration, and a statement of survival. This moment is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, the leadership. At the strength it took to get here. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, not by chance, but because generations of people refused to be silenced. It’s also about the here and now, who we are today. Grounded in culture. Strong in our identity. Leading change across every field, from health and education to media, business, and the arts. We’re telling our own stories, in our own way, on our own terms. And it’s about the future. The next 50 years. The young ones growing up proud. The return of language. The return to Country. The fight for justice continuing with new tools, new voices, and the same fire. Fifty Years of Deadly is a marker, not just of time passed, but of the momentum still building. It’s proof of what our people build when culture leads and community comes first. NAIDOC belongs to mob. It always has. We honour what came before by continuing the work. This is our story. This is our celebration. This is our future. Still deadly. Always. Wed, 1 Jul | Nyoongar Language Class Learn the basics of Nyoongar language in a welcoming and interactive beginner-friendly workshop at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Facilitated by respected educator and cultural practitioner Jayden Boundary, this two-hour session offers an introduction to Nyoongar words, pronunciation and cultural knowledge, helping participants build a deeper understanding of local Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. Jayden is a proud Wadjak, Ballardong, Yued Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji man, a qualified Nyoongar language teacher and author of Noongar Boodja Waangkan. Through his work in schools and communities across Western Australia, Jayden shares language and culture in an engaging and accessible way. When: Wednesday 1 July 2026, 10am–12pm Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: Free | Book: Noongar Language Class Thu, 2 Jul | Cultural Awareness Workshop Join local First Nations facilitator Kaya Carson for an insightful workshop exploring the history, resilience and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal peoples. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the world’s oldest living culture and learn how colonisation and dispossession continue to impact Aboriginal communities today. This session provides an opportunity for respectful learning, reflection and conversation, helping participants strengthen their cultural awareness and understanding of Aboriginal perspectives. When: Thursday 2 July 2026, 11am–12pm Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: Free | Bookings: Cultural Awareness Workshop Tues, 7 Jul | NAIDOC Kids Community Canvas Celebrate creativity and culture during NAIDOC Week by contributing to a collaborative community artwork led by local artist Tyearra. Suitable for children aged 4 years and over, this hands-on session invites participants to paint, create and connect while learning about Aboriginal art and storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply keen to have a go, everyone is welcome to contribute to this shared artwork that reflects community, culture and connection. When: Tuesday 7 July 2026, 10am–11am Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: Free | Bookings: Kids Community Canvas | NAIDOC Week Wed, 8 Jul | NAIDOC Community Celebration Join us for Fremantle’s major NAIDOC Week celebration as we come together to honour and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievement. Hosted at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the day will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, cultural dance performances, storytelling, guest speakers, family-friendly activities, face painting, First Nations market stalls and exhibitions. Community organisations, artists and knowledge holders will share their stories and showcase the richness of culture, while children’s activities and interactive experiences ensure there is something for all ages. This year’s event also provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Elders whose leadership, strength and cultural knowledge continue to guide and inspire future generations. When: Wednesday 8 July 2026, 10am–2pm Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: Free | Bookings: No registration required More Information: NAIDOC Week Community Celebration 50 Years Deadly Thu, 9 Jul | Worlds Within a World: Panel Discussion How do you inhabit multiple worlds at once? Join editor Casey Mulder and contributors Lois May and Valerie Swift for a thought-provoking discussion exploring themes from Worlds Within a World. Through personal stories and reflections, the panel will discuss identity, belonging, resilience and maintaining connections to Country and culture while navigating contemporary life. Books will be available for purchase on the night through Planet Books, with light refreshments provided. When: Thursday 9 July 2026, 6.30pm–8.30pm Where: Fremantle Library Cost: Free | Bookings: Worlds Within a World Thu 9 & 16 Jul | Nyoongar Storytime and Painting School Holiday Fun: Nyoongar Storytime and Painting Bring the little ones along for a fun and engaging cultural experience during the school holidays. This special session combines Nyoongar storytelling with creative painting activities, introducing children to Aboriginal culture, language and creativity in an interactive and age-appropriate environment. Designed for children aged 4 years and over, these sessions encourage learning through stories, imagination and hands-on activities. When: Thursday 9 July and Thursday 16 July 2026, 11am–12pm Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: Free | Bookings: School Holiday Fun | Storytime & Painting Fri, 10 Jul | NAIDOC Family Day Come and join us for a morning of cultural celebration at the Fremantle PCYC! Hosted by Freo Toy Library, with special visit from child service providers Meerilinga, Fremantle Headspace, and the Early Years team, enjoy kid’s crafts and play, and light refreshments. When: Friday 10 July 2026, 10am–12pm Where: Fremantle PCYC Cost: Free | Bookings: No registration required Wed, 15 Jul | Early Childhood Cultural Incursion Designed for children aged 3 to 5 years and their families, this joyful cultural workshop introduces young children to Nyoongar language, stories and culture through interactive activities and play. Participants will enjoy storytelling, colouring activities and hands-on cultural experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and connection to Country in a fun and welcoming environment. When: Wednesday 15 July 2026, 11am–12pm Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: $10 per child (adults attend free) Bookings: Early Childhood Cultural Incursion Note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fridays in July | Artist In Residence: Amanda Hart Step behind the scenes and experience the creative process of Whadjuk artist Amanda Hart during her residency at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Visitors are invited to observe Amanda as she works on her latest projects and learn more about her artistic practice, inspirations and cultural storytelling. This is a unique opportunity to engage with a contemporary Aboriginal artist and gain insight into the role art plays in sharing culture and connection. When: Fridays throughout July 2026, 10am–3pm Where: Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 12 Captains Lane, Fremantle Cost: Free | Bookings: No registration required More Information: Artist In Residence | Amanda Hart
