AbSec marks 50 years of NAIDOC with family day
AbSec NSW will lead a major community celebration on July 8, marking 50 years of NAIDOC Week with a free, family-centred event on Gadigal and Wangal Country in Sydney.
The 2026 NAIDOC Family Fun Day is expected to draw well over 2,000 people to the Robyn Webster Sports Centre in Tempe.
Key Points
- AbSec NSW hosts 2026 NAIDOC Family Fun Day in Tempe, Sydney
- Event honours 50 years of NAIDOC Week under theme Fifty Years of Deadly
- Free, all-ages celebration planned on Gadigal and Wangal Country
- AbSec links cultural pride to child, family and community wellbeing
- Program includes live performances, cultural dance and workshops
- Dedicated Elders Tent and free ice cream offered to attendees
Milestone celebration on Gadigal and Wangal Country
The event theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, is positioned by organisers as both a milestone and a tribute to Elders, community leaders, artists and generations who have sustained the movement over five decades.
AbSec NSW has described the occasion as marking resistance, survival, cultural pride and community strength, and says the day is designed to welcome everyone—from Aboriginal Elders to toddlers, long-time community members and those encountering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture for the first time.
“The Family Fun Day is a declaration that our culture is alive, our communities are strong, and our people have every reason to stand tall. 50 years of NAIDOC Week is a powerful milestone, and we will mark it with the joy, the pride, and the energy it deserves.” John Leha, AbSec chief executive said.
What attendees can expect
The AbSec NAIDOC Family Fun Day is structured as a full day of culture, community and celebration with a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Organisers outline a program aimed at all ages and interests:
- Live performances from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
- Cultural dance and music honouring tradition and storytelling
- Hands-on art and craft workshops for all ages
- A dedicated Elders Tent — a comfortable space for Elders to connect, rest, yarn and be honoured as the traditional knowledge holders
- Children’s rides, face painting, and a petting zoo
- Food trucks serving up a delicious range of options throughout the day
- Free ice cream for everyone
- Community stalls showcasing local artisans, organisations, and services from across the region
- Plenty of space to yarn, connect, and celebrate together
The event consistently ranks among the most highly attended NAIDOC gatherings in the Sydney region, drawing well over 2,000 people each year. The day is free and open to all, with organisers emphasising a welcoming environment for families, Elders, youth and community partners.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday July 8
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Venue: Robyn Webster Sports Centre, Holbeach Ave, Tempe | Gadigal & Wangal Country
- Cost: FREE — open to all
- RSVP: absec.org.au/event/naidoc-familyfunday (please register online- no cost)
