Preparing for NAIDOC Week celebrations

. Bourke NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Pat Canty with committee member Brooklyn Willoughby. PHOTO: Beverley Callow

Story and photo by Beverley Callow

Communities across Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett are preparing to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, with this year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, marking five decades of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievement.

For Bourke NAIDOC Committee Chair Patricia Canty, it’s also a chance to acknowledge those who laid the foundations for today’s celebrations.

“50 years marks a milestone,” Pat said. “Really, the tribute goes to those people who, in the early years, built this. It started off as a protest and the movement continued from there.

“Those Elders stood firm. They were not only wanting to showcase our culture, but also to showcase Aboriginal people here in Australia to the world.”

Pat said Bourke’s committee, made up of representatives from 20 local organisations, had organised an action-packed week of events.

“It’s not only for Aboriginal people. We really want everyone involved. It’s open to everyone. We want our visitors in town to come along to any of the activities and help celebrate.” […]

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