NAIDOC Week 2026: Fifty Years of Deadly marks a powerful 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.
Recognise this week with your students and join these FREE and interactive virtual excursions.
50 years of Deadly: Lover Primary
Shifting Ground, together with a National Portrait Gallery educator, invites Kindergarten to Year 2 students to take part in a gentle, interactive 30-minute online session celebrating the 2026 NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly. This theme celebrates 50 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, courage, creativity and community strength.
Designed with Shifting Ground, this early‑primary program uses culturally informed, age‑appropriate storytelling to help young learners connect with big ideas in simple and meaningful ways.
50 years of Deadly: Upper Primary
Shifting Ground, in partnership with a National Portrait Gallery educator, leads Year 3–6 students through a 45‑minute interactive online session exploring the 2026 NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
This theme recognises 50 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, activism, cultural resilience and community‑driven storytelling – honouring the Elders, advocates and changemakers who have shaped the NAIDOC movement.
Bookings are required for the FREE virtual excursions. There are a range of times available between 11 June – 2 July 2026 for K-2 and 3-6 students.
Caring for Sea Country
Learn about Aboriginal scientists, artists and communities who use cultural knowledge to manage Sea Country and improve ocean environments across Australia.
Celebrate this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly” as we explore examples of First Nations people leading responsible coastal management. From the Indigenous Ranger Program to restoration of oyster reefs, these stories will leave you inspired to help care for Sea Country too!
Presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum Suitable for Years 2 – 6 on Thursday 25 June at 2pm AEST
NAIDOC Week Online Author Talk ‘Geigi the Stubborn Boy’
Join National Library of Australia ahead of NAIDOC Week 2026 to celebrate Torres Strait Islander tradition and culture.
This is the tale of Geigi, a stubborn boy on an island far away who gets into all sorts of mischief. Created by Elliot and Michael Passi, Geigi the Stubborn Boy is a retelling of a Meriam story from Mer in the Torres Strait – brought to life by striking and fun illustrations.
The content in this learning session is suitable for students in Year 3 to Year 6 and links with the Australian Curriculum V9 for English and the Creative Arts as well as supporting the cross-curriculum priority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.
This FREE virtual excursions is suitable for Years 3 – 6 on Tuesday 30 June 2pm AEST
NAIDOC Week with Corey Tutt
Join Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House this NAIDOC Week for a very special digital event with author and Deadly Science founder Corey Tutt.nStudents will have the opportunity to hear Kamilaroi man Corey read his brand-new picture book, Come Home, Bigibila – A story of an echidna finding its way back to Country.
Bigibila was born on a night when Gawarrgay, the dark emu, was high in the sky. The air tasted of native lime and was full of the sound of animal songs.
This is my Country, Bigibila thought. My place.
But when Bigibila finds herself far from her Country – how will she ever find her way back?
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session with Corey.
This FREE virtual excursions is suitable for Years K – 6 on Wednesday 1 July at 12pm – 12:45pm AEST
NAIDOC Week with the State Library of NSW
Meet author Melissa-Jane Fogarty and hear about her book Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History.
Melissa-Jane Fogarty will talk about her work as an author and introduce readers to the history of the land beneath the Sydney Opera House, Tubowgule. Did you know this was a ceremonial gathering place for the Gadigal people long before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788?
This FREE virtual excursions is suitable for Years 3 – 6 on Wednesday 22 July at 10am – 10:45pm AEST
Renowned children’s book illustrator Dub Leffler joins us to discuss his work, including his most recent book, The Drover’s Son, written by Leah Purcell.
The Drover’s Son is illustrator Dub Leffler’s newest work, written by Leah Purcell. Inspired by the famous short story by Henry Lawson, it explores some challenging truths about the history of Australia. It’s also a story of healing, care and connection. Dub will share some of his process and his involvement in the creation of this book.
This FREE virtual excursions is suitable for Years 3 – 8 on Thursday 23 July at 10am – 10:45pm AEST
Join us as author Tylissa Elisara reads her debut novel, Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky.
Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky is a unique middle-grade novel about friendship, adventure and facing your fears. Join author Tylissa Elisara in this interactive online session.
This FREE virtual excursions is suitable for Years 3 – 6 on Thursday 23 July at 2pm – 2:45pm AEST
