‘A (NAIDOC) year like no other’ – Victorian minister

Minister for First Peoples Ros Spence will attend the NAIDOC State Reception in on July 8 to honour the NAIDOC Award winners as part of a landmark year of celebration across the State.

NAIDOC Week 2026 marks a landmark milestone – fifty years of one of Australia’s most powerful celebrations of First Nations history, culture and achievement.

“Fifty years of Deadly reflects fifty years of First Nations people refusing to be silent – and Victoria is a better state because of it,” Ms Spence said.

“Celebrating NAIDOC Week in the year of Treaty is something truly special. First Peoples now have a real say over the decisions that affect their lives – and that is something every Victorian should be proud of.”

Treaty with First Peoples

This year’s theme, ’50 Years of Deadly,’ honours five decades of advocacy, resilience and unbreakable community spirit.

This year is unlike any other.

In November 2025, Victoria signed a Statewide Treaty with First Peoples – a historic first that ensures First Nations people have a real say over the decisions that shape their lives.

(L-R) Co-Chairs of the First Peoples Assembly Ngarra Murray and Ruben Berg exchange gifts with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan during the Ceremonial Opening of Treaty Negotiations on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung country in 2024. (AAP Image/Pool, Justin McManus)

The NAIDOC Committee’s Flag Raising Ceremony at Federation Square on Monday 6 July will kick off a week of celebration across the state.

The NAIDOC State Reception on 8 July will celebrate First Nations achievement across seven categories: Youth, Ms NAIDOC, Mr NAIDOC, Female Elder of the Year, Male Elder of the Year, Sportsperson and Pride.

The week culminates in the Victorian NAIDOC Ball on July 11 – a celebration of community, culture and fifty years of deadly achievement.

For more information visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/victorian-naidoc-week