National NAIDOC Week celebrates deadly achievements and creates opportunities for pride

How a local NAIDOC Committee in Victoria is working to keep their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture alive for future generations

The Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee — like so many others around the country — is passionate about celebrating and sharing their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements. They hope to continue building awareness around NAIDOC Week and creating events that bring the whole community together in a positive and inclusive way. They are also passionate about creating opportunities for young people to feel proud and connected to their culture.

Many Salvation Army employees and volunteers are part of the Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee: Laurel Baxter, Bayden Clayton, Cree Clayton, Allira Fry and Keely Teariki. The Salvation Army Swan Hill corps leader Major Rob Champion, and his wife Wendy, are also big supporters of all NAIDOC events.

Allira, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Worker at The Salvation Army’s Swan Hill Corps, Victoria, which is located on Wamba Wemba Country, shares her thoughts about NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme.

Why is NAIDOC Week important to you?

NAIDOC Week is an important time for our community to come together to celebrate our culture, and to recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a way to honour our Elders and those who paved the way before us.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week is also a chance to educate, connect and build stronger relationships across the wider community. NAIDOC creates pride, healing and unity while also keeping our culture alive for our future generations.

How can the 2026 NAIDOC theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, capture the spirit of your community?

The theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’ reflects the strength, resilience and pride within our community. In Swan Hill we have many deadly people who continue to lead, support and inspire others through culture, community, work, sport, youth leadership and family connections. The theme captures the spirit of our community by celebrating our past achievements while continuing to empower our next generation to be proud of where they have come from.

What has been your deadliest moment, or memory of NAIDOC celebrations gone by?

One of the deadliest moments for our community was bringing back the Debutant Ball in 2024 after 12 years. It's a tradition that will now be held every two years. It is a special event that brings families and community together to celebrate our young people, aged 16 upwards, and our Elders. It creates pride for us.

Hosting the first Youth NAIDOC Ball was also a highlight, as the younger generation felt recognised and celebrated for their achievements throughout the year. Seeing the community come together to support and uplift our youth was something very meaningful and memorable.

What is your hope for NAIDOC celebrations in the next 50 years?

Our hope for the next 50 years is that NAIDOC continues to grow stronger each year, with more community involvement, showing our culture pride towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We hope future generations continue to stay connected to culture, language and country as well as to feel empowered to lead their communities. We also hope NAIDOC celebrations continue bringing all people together in respect, understanding and unity.

Learn more about The Salvation Army’s commitment to recognising the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by reading our Reconciliation Action Plan.