NAIDOC Week 2026 provided Mercy Connect with an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the long history, culture, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme “50 Years of Deadly”, marked five decades of NAIDOC Week celebrations. It was a tribute to the people who built the movement; the Elders, community leaders, organisers, artists, advocates and the communities who have shown up year after year to celebrate the ongoing strength of culture, identity, connection to Country, and the voices of First Nations peoples.
Throughout the week of 5-12 July, Mercy Connect encouraged participants and staff across all locations to:
- Take time to learn about First Nations histories, cultures and achievements.
- Participate in local NAIDOC Week events and activities.
- Reflect on how to continue to create inclusive and culturally safe spaces.
- Celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the Mercy Connect community.
The Cowra team participated in the Cowra NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day. Staff and participants joined the march in Cowra and held a stall at the Family Fun Day.
In Albury, Taylor Hampton, a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man, author, cultural educator, and emerging community leader, visited the team to host a cultural session on the history of the Albury area, communication styles and ways to respectfully engage with the Aboriginal Community. This was followed by a boomerang throwing session, where we learned how to throw (and catch!) a boomerang.
