NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our University and wider community, and across all our campuses.
The University of Sydney was founded in 1850 on the land of the Gadigal people.
Today, our campuses and facilities stretch across the lands of the Gamaraygal, Dharug, Wangal, Darkingyung, Burramadagal, Dharawal, Gandangara, Gamilaraay, Barkindji, Bundjalung, Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Gureng Gureng and Gagadju peoples.
Engage in a range of free events open to staff, students and community:
Celebrate the start of NAIDOC Week with morning tea at Fisher Library.
Join us in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander space on Fisher, Lvl 3 for a cuppa and check out the Library's 2026 exhibition for National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC: 50 Years Strong — All in for the Future Strength in Storytelling, curated by Pippa Herden (Gomeroi) and Tanisha Naylor-Moran (Anaiwan), First Nations staff in Cultural Collections.
Date: Monday 6 July 2026
Time: 10.30am - 12pm
Location: Fisher Library, Level 3, The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander space
Register now (this is an in person event and registrations are essential)
Gain insight into the remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage at the University of Sydney on a walking tour with Uncle Jimmy Smith.
Uncle Jimmy is a proud Wiradjuri man who comes from the Erambie mission near Cowra New South Wales. He is a dedicated educator and for over three decades has been passionate about sharing Aboriginal infrastructure, science, culture, land management, art, and politics with the community.
Dates and times:
Monday 6 July | 2pm - 3pm
Thursday 9 July | 10am - 11am
Friday 10 July | 10am - 11am
Location:
Outside the Quadrangle, underneath the Clock Tower, Gadigal Campus (Camperdown Campus).
Duration:
Tours will run for approx. 1 hour.
You’re invited to join us for a native grain tasting following a panel discussion.
Through the University of Sydney’s Native Grains Program, we are helping reawaken Indigenous knowledges and bring them together with Western science to support an Indigenous-led native grains industry.
Native grains hold remarkable promise for the future: nourishing people, caring for Country, and strengthening cultural identity.
Date: Tuesday 7 July
Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Location: Charles Perkins Centre
During NAIDOC Week we also commemorate the anniversary of the Aboriginal Flag, first raised on 9 July 1971 at a land rights rally in Adelaide and officially recognised as a Flag of Australia in 1995.
Formalities will take place on the lawns in front of the Clock Tower. Guests are also invited to join us for morning tea at the Fisher Library rooftop.
Date: Tuesday 7 July
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: The Quad/Clock Tower Front Lawns
Register now (this is an in-person event only and spaces are limited. Please register to secure your spot)
Join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week with a special panel event on Wednesday, July 8th, highlighting this year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
All staff, students, and our wider community are welcome to join us in a spirit of respect, learning, and celebration. Lunch will be provided at the Gadigal Centre after the panel, all attendees are invited to stay, enjoy lunch and network amoung collegues.
Date: Wednesday 8 July
Time: 10:30am - 1:00pm
Location: Wallace Theatre (A21), Wallace Lecture Theatre 200, Gadigal Campus
Register now (this is an in-person event only and registrations are essential)
The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, recognises decades of First Nations leadership—steady, unapologetic and proud.
Within this context, this panel explores the path the Faculty of Medicine and Health has been on strengthen First Nations leadership, voices and pathways within health, and deepen engagement with First Nations communities.
We will highlight the deadly work of First Nations staff and students, and reflect on the ongoing effort to build culturally safe environments, reduce colonial load, and support people to thrive.
Date: Wednesday 8 July
Time: 2pm - 4:30 pm (includes afternoon tea and networking)
Location: A21 Wallace Theatre, Western Ave, Camperdown NSW 2050, and online.
Join us for a special community lunch this NAIDOC Week 2026, centred on this year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
Gather with colleagues, students, and community members and engage in conversations that celebrate culture. Catering will be provided.
Date: Thursday 9th July
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Gadigal Centre, John Wooley Building (A20), Gadigal (Camperdown) Campus
Events and programming to be shared here closer to NAIDOC Week.
Ways you can continue to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples beyond NAIDOC Week: