50 Years Deadly: A Week of Reflection and Celebration

NAIDOC Week at UDRH SW began with the ECU South West Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday 6 July, bringing staff, students and community members together to reflect on this year’s theme and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

UDRH SW Director Professor Beth Armstrong officiated the ceremony on behalf of ECU South West. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised by Vicki Skraha (ECU Student Life), a Larrakia woman from the Dungalarba clan, and Rebecca Colbung (UDRH SW), a Bardi Jawi woman with family roots in the Ardyaloon community.

During the ceremony, Professor Armstrong reflected on the significance of the South West Campus cultural reflection space, Dambart Bilya, which symbolises the meeting of the Brunswick, Collie and Preston rivers at Bunbury’s Koombana Bay. She invited everyone to take a moment of reflection during NAIDOC Week.

Professor Armstrong noted:

“The 2026 NAIDOC theme 50 Years Deadly of Deadly, marks a significant milestone. It reflects the strength, resilience and cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past five decades, while also looking ahead to the responsibility we all share in shaping the future.”

In the afternoon, more than 35 people from across the South West community attended the NAIDOC Dadirri event. The event was a collaborative initiative developed by WA Country Health Service’s Tahnee Nesbitt and UDRH SW’s Rebecca Colbung, with support from Leandra Healy.

Guests enjoyed catering by Boodja Ventures, featuring bush tucker-inspired platters and freshly made damper.

The event centred around a dedicated Dadirri space that engaged all the senses to create a calm and reflective atmosphere. Australian bush sounds, natural aromas and a weaving activity using natural materials encouraged attendees to slow down, connect and reflect.

A display of every NAIDOC Week poster from the past 50 years provided an opportunity for attendees to explore the evolution of NAIDOC themes and reflect on how the priorities and conversations have changed over time.

Rebecca Colbung said:

“The aim was to provide a calm Dadirri space for people to come and be, to reflect on the 50 years of NAIDOC themes. We wanted people to be relaxed and actively thinking about what this week means to both First Nations people and allies.”

At UDRH SW, we believe NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to celebrate, learn, reflect and stand together in unity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.