AbSec NSW will proudly mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week — five decades of resistance, survival, cultural pride, and community strength on Wednesday 8 July, on the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wangal People in Sydney. The theme Fifty Years of Deadly is both a milestone and a tribute — to the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who have shown up, year after year, to keep this movement alive.
The annual 2026 NAIDOC Family Fun Day to be held at the Robyn Webster Sports Centre is one of the most highly attended NAIDOC events in the Sydney region. “The Family Fun Day is a declaration that our culture is alive, our communities are strong, and our people have every reason to stand tall. 50 years of NAIDOC Week is a powerful milestone, and we will mark it with the joy, the pride, and the energy it deserves.” says John Leha, AbSec CEO.
The iconic event draws well over 2,000 people each year and welcomes everyone from Aboriginal Elders to toddlers, long-time community members to newcomers discovering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture for the first time.
Standing in Solidarity: 50 Years of NAIDOC Week
AbSec proudly stands alongside communities across the country to mark half a century of NAIDOC Week — fifty years of celebrating the enduring strength and living culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As NSW’s peak Aboriginal child, family and community organisation, AbSec knows that the work of protecting Aboriginal children and strengthening families cannot be separated from the broader work of cultural pride, belonging, and community empowerment that NAIDOC Week represents.
What to Expect on the Day
The AbSec NAIDOC Family Fun Day is a full day of culture, community, and celebration with a vibrant carnival atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
On the day you can expect:
- Live performances from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
- Cultural dance and music honouring tradition and storytelling
- Hands-on art and craft workshops for all ages
- A dedicated Elders Tent — a comfortable space for Elders to connect, rest, yarn and be honoured as the traditional knowledge holders
- Children’s rides, face painting, and a petting zoo
- Food trucks serving up a delicious range of options throughout the day
- Free ice cream for everyone
- Community stalls showcasing local artisans, organisations, and services from across the region
- Plenty of space to yarn, connect, and celebrate together.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 8 July 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue: Robyn Webster Sports Centre, Holbeach Ave, Tempe | Gadigal & Wangal Country
Cost: FREE — open to all
RSVP: absec.org.au/event/naidoc-familyfunday (please register online- no cost)
For event enquiries, registration, sponsorship or volunteering, contact Celeste Ambalong at [email protected].
About AbSec
AbSec is the peak Aboriginal organisation in NSW dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of our children, young people and families. We build strength and resilience by supporting community-led solutions, shaping policy, and driving reforms that ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young person grows up strong in culture and identity.
Media Opportunities
Media representatives are invited to attend and cover this landmark event. High-resolution images and further information are available on request. NOTE: Interviews with CEO John Leha and AbSec community representatives via request before the event only.
For media enquiries, contact the AbSec Communications Team at [email protected] or Kristjan Porm, Manager Communications & Memberships, on 0402 158726.
For media enquiries on the day, please contact Sherry-Ann Toomey, Director, Sector Engagement, Mobile: 0409 900112
We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the land on which our office stands, and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families. This National NAIDOC Week Activity is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
