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What's new: NAIDOC 2026 Celebrations are currently in full swing with the Carnarvon Common Ground

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The Carnarvon Common Ground Team would like to wish all a happy NAIDOC Week 2026.

This years’ theme is Fifty Years of Deadly.

We are celebrating the grassroots efforts made by all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia in our progression to equality, self determination and recognition as the oldest continuing culture in history.

To our Elders past and present, who have advocated, lobbied and marched for our collective rights in this Country. To those whose unwavering dedication and perseverance has allowed us to stand strong, empowered, educated, returning to language and culture.

At the Carnarvon Common Ground, we are continuing these efforts by aligning our key priority areas with Closing the Gap targets working to undo the effects of intergenerational trauma felt by mob Australia wide. 3 of our 4 staff members have volunteered their time to the NAIDOC Committee this year, ensuring our celebrations of NAIDOC stay deadly for another 50 years!

If you’d like to learn more about the past 50 years of Deadly, check out the history of NAIDOC here!

Below are some pictures from the NAIDOC Opening Ceremony on Monday 6th July, which included a march from the Fascine to Gwoonwardu Mia, a range of performances from Mary Edney, Raymond Edney, the Kuwinywardu Boys, and a lovely feed of Kangaroo prepared by Carnarvon’s NAIDOC Committee.

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Theonie McKenna and Devinia Wainwright holding up a piece of art that reflects the Carnarvon Common Ground Project

Our Artists

Respected member of Carnarvon Common Ground, Devinia Wainwright collaborated and mentored Theonie McKenna to create the artwork for the Project. This piece tells the story of our community walking together toward a shared future. It represents the Common Ground as a place where services and community unite to provide support, guidance, connection, and healing for our youth and families.

The river meeting the sea – a landmark of Carnarvon -symbolises peace, grounding, and our deep connection to spirit and ancestors who walk with us every day. Our lands and ocean sustain us with traditional foods like mullet, kangaroo, and turtle, keeping us strong and healthy while preserving our culture for generations to come.