Celebrating 50 Years of NAIDOC Week, and Holding Space for First Nations Families

5th July 2026

From 5 to 12 July 2026, Australia marks NAIDOC Week, and this year carries special meaning. The 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates fifty years of a movement built on culture, community and the strength of First Nations people.

At Red Nose, we join in that celebration, and we also hold space for the First Nations families in our community who are grieving the loss of a baby or child.

Fifty years of culture, community and pride

For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of First Nations communities, calling for truth, honouring culture, and recognising the leadership and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, is a tribute to the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up year after year.

It is a moment to look back at how far we have come, to celebrate who First Nations people are today, grounded in culture and strong in identity, and to look ahead to the next fifty years.

Holding space for grieving families

NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration, and we know it can also be a tender time for families carrying loss. Grief does not pause for milestones, and the death of a baby or child is heartbreaking in any community.

We also understand that First Nations families may grieve in their own ways, shaped by culture, kinship and connection to Country. The Sorry Business of losing a little bub is held within family and community, and the support that helps should honour that.

Tailored support, made with community

Red Nose offers grief and loss support developed with and for First Nations families. Our Jiba Pepeny (Star Baby) resource was made by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people, with the support of the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research and Red Nose. It is there to help you feel strong in the decisions you are making for yourself and Bub, and to feel like a big cuddle from an Aunt who always gives the best ones.

Alongside the Star Baby book, you will find culturally safe resources including support for dads, early pregnancy loss information for First Nations parents, and First Nations birth acknowledgement cards.

We are here for you

If you have lost a baby or child, you are not alone, and it is never too late to reach out. Our Grief and Loss Support Line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call us any time on 1300 308 307 or visit our Information and Support for First Nations People

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate 50 Years of Deadly, and we walk alongside every First Nations family in our community, in celebration and in grief.