09/07/2026
Yesterday, more than 7,000 people came together on Bundjalung Country for Big Deadly Day, celebrating NAIDOC Week and this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
What began as a rainy morning quickly turned into a day filled with sunshine, laughter, connection and community. Families gathered to enjoy free rides, touch football, live music, cultural performances, community stalls, food and activities, culminating in a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and strength.
Throughout the day, young people ran onto the footy field, Elders shared a yarn, community organisations connected with families, and people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate not just 50 years of NAIDOC, but the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultures that have thrived for tens of thousands of years.
This event would not have been possible without the collaboration and commitment of so many people and organisations. Thank you to our co-hosts Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation and Lismore City Council, our community partners Yarn2Connect and Jarjum Mirr Bulaangii REDinc - Realising Every Dream, our generous sponsors, performers, stallholders, volunteers and everyone who contributed their time, energy and support.
Communities are strongest when everyone feels connected, included and celebrated. Big Deadly Day showed what is possible when organisations, businesses and community come together with a shared purpose.