NAIDOC Week 2026: 50 Years of Deadly
Published: 6 Jul 2026
NAIDOC Week 2026 marks a significant milestone with this year's national theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrating 5 decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, culture, leadership and resilience.
Since 1972, NAIDOC has grown from a movement advocating for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into a nationally recognised celebration of culture, identity and community. Over the past 50 years, each NAIDOC theme has reflected important moments in our shared history—from calls for self-determination and land rights to recognition, healing, and celebrating the world's oldest continuing cultures.
NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for everyone to learn, reflect and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while recognising the enduring contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to our communities, workplaces and the Northern Territory (NT).
To commemorate this milestone, the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) will share a special storytelling series celebrating the evolution of NAIDOC themes over the past 5 decades. The series will feature the stories, experiences and achievements of Aboriginal employees from across the NT Public Sector (NTPS), showcasing their leadership, career journeys and contributions to delivering services for Territorians.
These stories will be published throughout NAIDOC Week on this website and promoted through NT Government communication channels, inviting all Territorians to celebrate the diversity, talent and lived experiences of Aboriginal employees across the public sector.
The NTPS encourages all employees to participate in agency and community NAIDOC Week events and to take the opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate 50 Years of Deadly.
Staff story
Thomas McDowall
Over in the Homelands Unit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Thomas McDowall, senior project officer with the Homeland Housing and Infrastructure Program, is helping deliver lasting change for Aboriginal communities across the NT.
Recently, Thomas led the delivery of long-awaited infrastructure upgrades in the community of Gilwi, marking a significant milestone for the Homelands Infrastructure Program. The project also created valuable local employment opportunities, with Aboriginal workers playing a central role in delivering the construction works.
Thomas plays an important role in strengthening relationships between the NTPS and homelands communities, supporting meaningful engagement with community members and stakeholders. Passionate about his work, he is committed to working for and alongside Aboriginal people and colleagues in the NTPS.
With an extensive background in housing and government, Thomas recently moved to the homelands portfolio as a development opportunity. The role has given him a firsthand understanding of the difference quality housing and infrastructure can make in people’s lives, reinforcing his commitment to working with Aboriginal communities and supporting better outcomes.
Thomas said the work strongly reflects this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.
‘It gives me the opportunity to have a voice within government and advocate for our mob. Seeing mob out on Country, living in safe and healthy homes, creates stronger, happier people and communities. A house is a necessity, and through these upgrades, we’re giving them a home. That’s something I’m proud to be a part of.’
