NAIDOC Week 2026 has landed in Victoria, marking 50 years of the country's biggest celebration of First Nations culture.
Running from 5 July to 12 July, this year carries the theme 50 Years of Deadly – a nod to five decades of activism, culture and community pride.
NAIDOC Week 2026 also lands on the back of a national first, with Victoria having signed the Statewide Treaty with First Peoples in November 2025, the first agreement of its kind between an Australian government and First Peoples.
NAIDOC Week 2026
- 6 July, Flag Raising Ceremony, Fed Square, Melbourne, Victoria
- 8 July, NAIDOC State Reception, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
- 11 July, Victorian NAIDOC Ball, Centrepiece, Melbourne Park, Victoria
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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The NAIDOC Committee’s Flag Raising Ceremony at Fed Square opens proceedings on 6 July, setting off a week of events right across the state. It is a free, public launch to the calendar and a chance for Victorians to gather before the bigger nights ahead.
The NAIDOC State Reception at Arts Centre Melbourne follows on 8 July, with Minister for First Peoples Ros Spence attending. The evening honours winners across seven award categories: Youth, Ms NAIDOC, Mr NAIDOC, Female Elder of the Year, Male Elder of the Year, Sportsperson and Pride.
Celebrations wind up with the Victorian NAIDOC Ball at Centrepiece on 11 July, closing the week with music, community and a nod to half a century of the movement. The word deadly has long meant brilliant or excellent, which makes it a fitting theme for a 50-year milestone.
Nationally, NAIDOC Week runs on the same dates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. For Victoria, the 2026 edition marks both the anniversary and the first time the state has celebrated the week since Treaty came into effect. Events are spread from a morning flag raising through to a formal ball, giving Victorians several ways to take part.
For more information, head here.
