Naidoc Week – Ballina
NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make to our country and society.
2026 Theme: “50 Years of Deadly”
This year marks an important milestone, celebrating the people who have shaped and sustained the NAIDOC movement.
It recognises the Elders who stood strong, the organisers who created space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who continue to show up year after year.
Ballina Shire Events
Monday 6 July – Annual Celebration Walk
- Meet at Ballina RSL Club: 10:00am (walk begins 10:30am)
- Walk along River Street to Ballina Visitor Information Centre
- Includes: Flag raising ceremony, speeches, dancers, BBQ, displays, stalls, games
- Morning tea for community Elders (Richmond Room)
- Note: River Street will be temporarily closed during the walk
- More info: ballina.nsw.gov.au/naidoc-week | discoverballina.com.au
Tuesday 7 July – Bunjum Jarjum Sports & Cultural Day
- Kingsford Smith Park | 10:00am – 2:00pm
- Sports, games and activities for jarjums
Wednesday 8 July – Elders Lunch and Bingo Lingo
- Richmond Room | 10:30am – 1:00pm
Thursday 9 July – Bunjum Community Cultural Music Day
- Missingham Park | 10:00am – 2:00pm
- Goori Cultural Art & Music Festival
Friday 10 July – Bullinah 3×3 Basketball Competition
- Ages 8-18 years
- BISC | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) Activities – Nanang Wabang | Sonya Breckenridge & Maurita Moran
- 25 June – 16 August 2026
- Explores connections to Nyangbal Country and kin through creative mentorship
- Launch: Thursday 25 June | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Nyangbal Elders Pop-Up Exhibition | NAIDOC Week 2026
- Ignite Studios, 60 Crane Street, Ballina
- Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July
- Hours:
- Wed-Fri: 10:00am – 2:00pm
- Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Free entry (works available for purchase)
- Proceeds support Nyangbal Elders attending the 2027 Elders Olympics
- Official Opening: Wednesday 8 July | 10:00am
