Qld NAIDOC Week grants available
The Queensland Government is gearing up for the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week with support available to help communities make this year’s celebrations special.
Applications are now open for 2026 NAIDOC Week commemorations to support this year’s theme of Fifty Years of Deadly – honouring five decades of cultural pride, resilience and achievement.
Eligible organisations can receive up to $2,500 to host events and activities that honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Queensland’s First Peoples.
Eligible events for the NAIDOC Grants include celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture including art and performance, workshops, educational resources, sporting activities, yarning circles and more.
Key points
- NAIDOC Grants now open to support Fifty Years of Deadly celebrations.
- Eligible organisations can receive up to $2,500 for events and activities which honour the rich cultural heritage of Queensland’s First Peoples.
- National NAIDOC Week celebrations taking place on 5-12 July.
For communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle, the Government has said it will work with those affected to understand their plans for NAIDOC celebrations to ensure funds can be available for events outside of the application window.
A total of $145,000 in grant funding is available, ahead of National NAIDOC Week on 5-12 July.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the NAIDOC Grants reflect the Government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, social cohesion and strengthening shared understanding.
“NAIDOC Week is a time for all Queenslanders to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Minister Simpson said.
“The Government’s NAIDOC Grants will empower communities to host meaningful events and activities which showcase the world’s oldest continuous living cultures during a very special 50 anniversary this year.
“During a decade of decline under Labor, the former government’s poor attitude was clear for all to see – division over delivery, and symbolism over substance.
A living thread of remembrance
“The Government remains committed to practical support to deliver tangible outcomes for our First Peoples.
“50 years of Deadly is the time for us all to strengthen community connections and promote greater understanding and shared respect for Indigenous cultures.”
The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation said 50 years of NAIDOC Week was a living thread of remembrance, resilience and cultural strength for their community.
“It honours the voices of those who walked before us, the wisdom they carried, and the responsibility we hold to continue caring for country, culture and community,” the Board of Elders said.
Applications close on Friday 10 April 2026 at 5:00pm and for more information visit: www.qld.gov.au/naidoc
