50 Years of Deadly: NAIDOC Week Posters from 1976 to 2026

Next date: Sunday, 05 July 2026 | 08:00 PM to Sunday, 26 July 2026 | 05:00 PM

For 50 years, NAIDOC Week has recognised the power of art to amplify the voices of First Peoples’ communities through an annual poster competition which encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to submit work that reflects each year’s NAIDOC Week theme.

The 2026 theme, '50 Years of Deadly', celebrates NAIDOC Week’s enduring role in First Peoples’ communities. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, 'deadly' means excellent, powerful or inspiring.  

Displayed together, the NAIDOC Week posters from the past 50 years cover an extraordinary breadth of artistic styles and tell a compelling story of strength, resilience and action.

As NAIDOC Co-Chair Steven Satour notes, “For 50 years, NAIDOC themes have marked the moments when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices shaped the national conversation. ‘50 Years of Deadly’ recognises the leadership and cultural authority that carried this movement forward and affirms that NAIDOC’s next chapter will be shaped by community leadership, long-term vision, and a stronger, more sustainable future.”

This exhibition spans Sorry Day (26 May), Reconciliation Week (27 May to 4 June) and NAIDOC Week (5 to 12 July). Across Australia, these are times for reflection, deepening understanding of history, working together for a better future and recognising First Peoples’ Culture, stories and achievements.

This exhibition will be formally opened by Mayor of Maroondah, Cr. Linda Hancock on Thursday 28 May at 11am as part of Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week celebrations in Ringwood Town Square.

Exhibition details

• Exhibition dates: 25 May to 26 July
• Opening times: 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday

Further information

For further information on this exhibition, contact Council on 1300 88 22 33. 

When

Location

ArtSpace at Realm, 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood, 3134, View map