Steering Committee

About the NAIDOC Steering Committee

Our NAIDOC Steering Committee brings together Elders, community members, local organisations, schools and Council representatives to guide the planning and delivery of our NAIDOC Week program. The committee ensures our activities reflect community priorities, uphold cultural protocols, and align with national NAIDOC objectives.

Key Roles of the Committee

• Cultural guidance from Elders and community leaders

• Program development aligned with NAIDOC Week themes and values

• Partnership building across schools, services and community groups

• Grant and funding oversight, including alignment with NAIDOC local grants

• Event coordination to ensure safe, inclusive and well‑run activities

How to Participate

Ways Individuals and Organisations Can Get Involved

NAIDOC Week is for everyone. We encourage community members, businesses and organisations to participate in meaningful and respectful ways.

You can:

• Attend NAIDOC Week events across the region

• Volunteer to support event delivery

• Partner with the Steering Committee on activities or sponsorship

• Host your own workplace or community celebration, guided by the National NAIDOC resources and brand guidelines

• Share NAIDOC messages using official hashtags and artwork (in line with brand guidelines)

Why Participation Matters

Participating in NAIDOC Week demonstrates a commitment to cultural respect, reconciliation and community connection. For organisations, it is a visible way to show cultural values in action.

Event Planning

Our Planning Approach

Our NAIDOC Week program is developed through a community‑led planning process supported by Council. This ensures activities are culturally grounded, inclusive and reflective of local priorities.

Planning Stages

1. Community consultation to gather ideas and priorities

2. Program design by the Steering Committee

3. Funding and grant alignment, including NAIDOC local grants and national guidelines

4. Event logistics, including venues, safety, accessibility and partnerships

5. Promotion and communication, using approved NAIDOC branding and resources

6. Delivery and evaluation to strengthen future NAIDOC programs

Contact Us

For more information, to join the Steering Committee, or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact our NAIDOC Week coordination team at 07 4741 2900 or cdo@flinders.qld.gov.au 

NAIDOC Week 2026 Art Competition

Help Us Find the Artwork for Our Local Celebrations

As part of our NAIDOC Week 2026 celebrations, we invite community members to take part in the NAIDOC Art Competition — a showcase of local talent, cultural pride and creative storytelling. This competition provides a platform for artists of all ages to share their perspectives on this year’s NAIDOC theme and contribute to our community’s celebrations.

About the Competition

The NAIDOC Art Competition encourages artists to explore culture, identity and connection through visual art. Entries may include painting, drawing, digital art, photography or mixed media. All artworks must be original and created specifically for NAIDOC Week 2026.

The winning artwork will be featured across our NAIDOC Week promotional materials, including posters, social media, event signage and community communications. The winner will also receive a $200 Local Gift Card in recognition of their contribution.

Entry Dates

Entries open: 24 April 2026 Entries close: 22 May 2026

All submissions must be received by 5pm on the closing date.

How to Enter

All entrants must complete the online entry form to participate in the NAIDOC Week 2026 Art Competition.

After completing the form, you can submit your artwork using one of the options below.

Submit Your Artwork

You may provide your artwork in either format:

Option A — Email Your Artwork

Email a clear photo or scan of your artwork to: cdo@flinders.qld.gov.au

Option B — Drop Off Your Artwork

Deliver your hard‑copy artwork to: Flinders Discovery Centre Hughenden. 

Please ensure your artwork is clearly labelled with your name and the same details used in your online entry form.

Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility

• Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living on Yirendali Country or with connections to Yirendali Country.

• Individual, family, school and group entries are welcome.

2. Theme

• Artwork must respond to the 2026 NAIDOC Theme: 50 Years of Deadly.

• A short description (50–150 words) must accompany each artwork.

3. Artwork Requirements

• Artwork must be original and created by the entrant(s).

• Any cultural stories, symbols or elements must be used with the correct cultural permissions.

• Artwork must be suitable for display and able to be photographed or scanned for digital use.

• Preferred size: A3–A1 (or digital equivalent).

4. Submission

• Entries must be submitted by the advertised closing date.

• A completed online submission form must accompany each artwork (link to be provided).

• Artworks may be:

  • Emailed to: cdo@flinders.qld.gov.au, or

  • Dropped off at the Flinders Discovery Centre, Hughenden.

5. Judging

A local judging panel will assess entries based on:

• Connection to the NAIDOC theme

• Cultural integrity

• Creativity and originality

• Visual impact

• Suitability for promotional use

Judges’ decisions are final.

6. Prizes

• Overall Winner: $200 Buy Local Gift Card

• Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash.

7. Use of Artwork

By entering, artists give Flinders Shire Council permission to:

• Digitise the winning artwork

• Use it for NAIDOC Week promotions (posters, social media, signage, shirts, publications)

The artist retains ownership of their artwork and cultural knowledge. The artist will be acknowledged wherever the artwork is used.

8. Display & Care

• All entries may be displayed during NAIDOC Week.

• Council will take reasonable care but is not responsible for loss or damage.

9. Collection of Artwork

• Artworks can be collected after NAIDOC Week on the dates advertised.

• Uncollected artworks may be disposed of or kept for future community display.

10. Agreement

• Submitting an entry means the artist accepts these Terms & Conditions.

NAIDOC Week 2026 – Draft Program Overview

This program is currently in draft form and remains subject to change as planning continues and community input is finalised.

NAIDOC Week 2026 in Flinders Shire is shaping into a community‑led celebration honouring culture, identity and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  The draft program reflects a balance of cultural activities, intergenerational learning, community gatherings and opportunities for local participation.

Stay tuned and plan to be in Hughenden 5 - 10 July to celebrate NAIDOC Week.