Generations together to honour NAIDOC movement

NAIDOC Week began on Monday with a flag raising, Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at Larnangurrak (our place), the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre.

The event was attended by First Nations people, City of Greater Bendigo representatives and residents.

The national NAIDOC Week 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates Elders, leaders, organisers and local First Nations communities who have driven and built the NAIDOC movement year-on-year.

Other local activities through the week included the annual Knuldoorong Art Exhibition, a NAIDOC Morning Tea with a Side of Art, the Djaa Djuwima Exhibition and a Heathcote NAIDOC Week Morning Tea.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said NAIDOC Week honours the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“It is a great opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate the oldest continuing culture on the planet,” he said.

DJAARA chair Rebecca Phillips made the Welcome to Country an inclusive experience and invited her daughter to perform. Photo: Sandra James.

The Knuldoorong Art Exhibition opened on Friday 3 July at Dudley House, featuring artworks from 25 First Nations artists living in or with connection to Greater Bendigo.

The diverse works on display include weaving, painting, ceremonial pieces and sculptural installation-based art.

In Dja Dja Wurrung language, Knuldoorong means all together, and the exhibition features art from well-established Elders alongside young and emerging first-time exhibitors.

City First Nations arts officer and exhibition curator Michellie Charvat said the exhibition was a beautiful reflection of multiple generations uniting.

“This year’s Knuldoorong Art Exhibition showcases an outstanding collection of artworks created by incredibly talented artists from right across Bendigo and beyond,” Charvat said.

The opening of NAIDOC Week featured a smoking ceremony, a traditional First Nations practice using native plants to cleanse, heal, and connect people to Country and community. Photo: Sandra James.

“Artists were not given a set theme. Each artwork reflects the culture and identity of the artist, deepening the connection to NAIDOC, community, and First Nations individuals.

“50 Years of Deadly marks the 50th anniversary milestone of the national NAIDOC movement and honours the activists, artists and Elders who have carried it forward.”

Previous Knuldoorong exhibitions have been popular, and the artworks will remain on display beyond NAIDOC Week.

The exhibition is open from 10.30am to 4pm on weekdays, and 10.30am to 3pm on weekends until 17 July at Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo. Entry is free.