NAIDOC Week 2026 is now underway, with lots happening throughout the Northern Rivers. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn about First Nations history, celebrating the oldest continuous living cultures on the planet.
In Ballina Shire, you can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through the following FREE activities and events:
Annual Celebration Walk – Monday 6 July 2026:
Meet at Ballina RSL Club: 10.00am (walk begins 10:30am). Walk along River Street to Ballina Visitor Information Centre. Includes flag raising ceremony, speeches, dancers, BBQ, displays, stalls, games.
There will be a morning tea for community Elders in the Richmond Room. River Street will be temporarily closed during the walk.
Bunjum Jarjum Sports and Cultural Day – Tuesday 7 July:
Kingsford Smith Park, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Sports, games and activities for jarjums. For more information, contact Isobel at Bunjum Aboriginal Corporation on 6681 1540.
Elders Lunch and Bingo Lingo – Wednesday 8 July:
Richmond Room from 10.30am to 1.00pm. Come along have a yarn at the Bingo Lingo luncheon. Giveaway prize and transport available for elders only. Contact Melissa at Bullinah AHS for more information on 6681 5644.
Bunjum Community Cultural Music Day – Thursday 9 July:
Missingham Park from 10.00am to 2.00pm, including the Goori Cultural Art & Music Festival. Activities include weaving, dancing, jewellery making, cultural art, cultural tours, bush tucker tasting and music. For more information, contact Isobel at Bunjum Aboriginal Corporation on 6681 1540.
Bullinah 3×3 Basketball Competition – Friday 10 July 2026:
Happening at BISC from 10.00am to 2.00pm. For ages 4–16 yrs. 3×3 comp, skills & drills, activities, arts, craft. Singlets will be provided, there will be pizza for lunch. Contact Bullinah for more information – James Harrington 0487168487
Weaving & Drawing Circle – Saturday 11 July 2026:
Ignite Studios, at 60 Crane Street Ballina from 10am to 1pm. Free and open to all ages.
A restorative, creative weaving circle with Nyangbal/Bundjalung artist Aunty Tania Marlowe and fibre artist/educator Debra Cole from Jugan Dandii, and drawing circle with exhibiting artists, Bundjalung/Dunghutti Aunty Sonya Breckenridge and Maurita Moran.
This is a gentle invitation to sit, draw, weave, and have a cuppa and a yarn together in community, on the last weekend of NAIDOC week. For more information visit the Northern Rivers Community Gallery website or call 02 6681 0530.
Nanang Wabang Exhibition, from Sonya Breckenridge and Maurita Moran – Thursday 25 June – Sunday 16 August 2026:
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), 44 Cherry St, Ballina. Exploring connections to Nyangbal Country and kin through creative mentorship. For more information visit Northern Rivers Community Gallery or call 02 6681 0530.
Nyangbal Elders NAIDOC Pop-Up Exhibition – Wednesday 8 July to Sunday 12 July 2026:
Proceeds from works sold support Nyangbal Elders attending the 2027 Elders Olympics. Official Opening: Wednesday 8 July at 10am, then open from Wed-Fri: 10am to 2pm & Sat-Sun: 10am to 1pm at Ignite Studios, 60 Crane Street, Ballina.
A special exhibition by local Nyangbal Elders for NAIDOC Week 2026.
Works on display use a combination of natural ochres and other materials sourced on Bundjalung Country and represent this year’s NAIDOC theme ’50 Years of Deadly’ alongside themes of family, cultural connections, colours of country, nature, gathering, ceremony and homeland.
For more information visit the Northern Rivers Community Gallery website.
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