The Cooktown community is preparing to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 with one of the biggest and most diverse programs in recent years.
Bringing together cultural workshops, family activities, community celebrations and opportunities to honour the strength, resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s national NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” marks a significant milestone, celebrating five decades of recognising and amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, cultures and achievements. The theme honours the Elders, organisers, artists, leaders and communities who have shaped the NAIDOC movement over the past 50 years while celebrating the next generation who will carry culture into the future.
The Cooktown NAIDOC Committee, led by Gungarde Community Centre and supported by a range of local organisations and community partners, has developed a vibrant program of events spanning the school holidays and NAIDOC Week itself, ensuring there are opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.
Celebrating Culture in the Lead Up to NAIDOC Week
In the lead up to NAIDOC Week, young people are invited to connect with culture through two free, hands-on workshops hosted by Gungarde Community Centre.
Styling Up Workshop
Young women aged 13 to 18 years can unleash their creativity at the Styling Up Workshop, where they’ll work alongside local artists and Kija Creations to design and create unique outfits, jewellery and accessories to wear throughout the week’s celebrations. Find out more.
Spearmaking Workshop
At the same time, young men aged 13 to 18 years can participate in the two-day Spearmaking Workshop, learning traditional skills and knowledge associated with spearmaking, throwing and hunting while strengthening cultural connections and continuing the important practice of passing knowledge between generations. Find out more.
Together, these workshops provide young people with an opportunity to celebrate identity, build confidence and prepare for the week ahead while embracing the spirit of 50 Years of Deadly.
Library Activities for Young Creators
Cook Shire Council Libraries are also joining the celebrations with free NAIDOC-themed school holiday activities designed to inspire creativity and cultural learning.
At Cooktown Library, children can enjoy Indigenous Craft & Sand Art, creating their own Indigenous-inspired artworks in a fun and welcoming environment. Learn more.
Meanwhile, Bloomfield Library will host a Rain Sticks & Dot Painting session, where children can create their own rain sticks and decorate wooden hands using traditional-inspired dot painting techniques. Learn more.
These free family-friendly activities provide another opportunity for children and families across the Shire to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through creativity, storytelling and play.
Honouring Elders
At the heart of this year’s 50 Years of Deadly theme is a celebration of the people who have carried culture, language, stories and traditions across generations.
The NAIDOC Elders Lunch provides an opportunity to honour the cultural knowledge, wisdom, leadership and lifelong contributions of local Elders, recognising their enduring role in preserving culture and strengthening community.
Guests will enjoy a community lunch, entertainment, games and prizes while celebrating the people whose resilience, guidance and generosity continue to inspire future generations. Find out more.
Celebrating the Next Generation
The celebrations continue with the NAIDOC Ball, now open to everyone aged 16 years and over.
Tickets are just $10 per person! Guests are encouraged to dress to impress for an evening featuring a three-course meal, music, dancing and plenty of prizes, including Best Dressed Male, Best Dressed Female, Deadliest Dancer and Deadliest Shake a Leg.
The Ball provides an opportunity to recognise the next generation of leaders while celebrating the strength, pride and resilience that continue to shape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Tickets are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.
One of the highlights of the week will be the annual Cooktown Community NAIDOC March, proudly hosted by Cook Shire Council in partnership with the Cooktown NAIDOC Committee.
The march will depart Gungarde Community Centre at 9.00am and march northwards along Charlotte Street to the Lion’s Park. Schools, businesses, community organisations, sporting clubs, families and visitors are all encouraged to walk together in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements.
Participants are encouraged to get creative, with prizes donated by Gungarde, awarded for:
- Deadliest Banner
- Deadliest Individual
- Deadliest Family
- Deadliest Mobility Scooter
The march will conclude at Cooktown Lions Park, where will be a free Community Breakfast BBQ at the Community Day that will feature community stalls, cultural activities, entertainment, a fishing competition and plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to come together, celebrate culture and enjoy one of Cooktown’s most significant annual community events.
Whether you’re marching, joining the BBQ or spending the day at Lions Park, everyone is welcome to be part of this special community celebration.
A Community Effort
Cook Shire Council would like to acknowledge the incredible work of the many organisations, volunteers and community members who have come together to deliver this year’s NAIDOC celebrations.
Special thanks go to:
- Gungarde Community Centre
- Cooktown Community and District Care Centre (CDCC)
- Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service
- Queensland Health
- Pinangba
- Life Without Barriers
- My Pathway
- Country Universities Centre Cape York
- Queensland Police Service
Their collaboration and commitment continue to create meaningful opportunities for the community to celebrate culture, strengthen connections and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
From cultural workshops and family-friendly library activities in the lead up to NAIDOC Week, to celebrations for Elders, the NAIDOC Ball, Community March and Community Day, Cooktown’s 2026 program reflects the strength of local partnerships and the enduring importance of culture, connection and community.
The whole community is encouraged to get involved, attend an event and help celebrate 50 Years of Deadly.