Artwork: Detail of Nyiirunba Yawutung – Our Journey by Birrbay (Biripi) artist Mandy Davis

 


CEO MESSAGE

NAIDOC Week is here!  

The 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, recognises 50 years of NAIDOC Week and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have carried it forward – the Elders, organisers, artists, advocates and communities who kept showing up, speaking up and making sure culture, truth and connection stayed strong. 

NAIDOC Week is one of my favourite weeks of the year. It’s a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to listen, learn and reflect. For me, it’s a reminder that the strongest communities are built when people have a genuine voice in decisions that affect them. When we listen to local knowledge, build strong relationships and work alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures, we all benefit.  

In many ways, CR becoming Aboriginal-led is about putting into practice these same ideas that NAIDOC Week has championed for decades. That’s why this year feels especially meaningful. 

Being recognised as Aboriginal-led is a proud step for us, and part of a much longer story. We were founded on Worimi Country, and our work has always focused on creating opportunities, strengthening communities and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander futures. This recent recognition strengthens that commitment. 

This week, we’ll share this milestone publicly and celebrate it with community on Worimi Country. It feels fitting to do during NAIDOC Week – a week that honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, leadership and self-determination. 

I invite you to take part in the celebrations wherever you are. 

You should all have your new NAIDOC Week shirts by now. The design is a beauty, and I encourage you to wear yours proudly this week and throughout the year. It’s a simple way to show respect, start conversations and join in the celebrations. 

You can also get involved by: 

  • Learning something new about the Country you live and work on 

  • Having a yarn with your team, family and community about what NAIDOC Week means to you 

  • Sharing photos from your celebrations with the Marcomms team (wearing your NAIDOC shirt!) 

However you take part, I hope you find something this week that inspires you, teaches you something new or helps you see things from a different perspective. 

I’m proud to celebrate 50 Years of Deadly alongside you. Happy NAIDOC Week. 

Martin Paech 
CEO, Community Resources 

 
 

Check out the NAIDOC website to find a local event in your area.
www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events

 

Celebrating NAIDOC week across our sites and locations

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Australia and recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We walk together towards healing.