Celebrate ‘50 Years of Deadly’ at Benalla’s NAIDOC Week

Ongoing oversight is by the community-led Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Caucus and Advisory Group.

NAIDOC Week events take place across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year marks another powerful milestone: ‘50 Years of Deadly’.

It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement, 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.

Fifty Years of Deadly is a marker of both time passed and the momentum still building.

This free event continues to grow with increasing local and regional displays and family-friendly activities, including trading tables, cultural arts/craft activities, face painting, outdoor games and sports clinics, music and traditional dancing.

A Benalla Health spokesperson said it was once again promoting youth participation in the lead-up and during the event.

The Benalla Flexible Learning Centre and EdSpace schools are the food vendors, and Benalla P-12 College senior music students will provide the entertainment.

Tomorrow Today’s Anganya young artist group, led by Aunty Cheryl Cooper, will again be displaying their special NAIDOC artworks.

Benalla P-12 College, Waller St Campus, students have provided artworks depicting local totems.

A new add-on to the celebrations is the NAIDOC Week Benalla art exhibition, held from July 3 to September 6 at the Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery.

Local First Nations artists of all ages will be showcasing a broad range of works and mediums.

All aspects of these events capture the essence of 50 Years of Deadly.

Caucus and advisory group chair Aunty Sharon Nylen said she welcomed community attendance.

“We welcome everyone to join us in our annual Benalla NAIDOC Week celebration,” she said.

“We look forward to sharing the event with family and friends, reconnecting and making new connections.”

Benalal Health interim chief executive Donovan Jacka said Benalla Health continued to honour the region’s rich cultural heritage while looking towards a future filled with promise and unity.

“The event has been growing over the years, and we are privileged to be auspice for this event for the second year running,” he said.

“The work behind-the-scenes to make a seamless event is something we can jointly be proud.

“So join us in celebrating the achievements of the past and the boundless potential of the generations to come."

Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn, said she appreciated the support the community gave to NAIDOC Week.

“It is great to see everyone come together for this important annual event,” Cr Hearn said.

“It’s wonderful to see so many young people getting involved and sharing in the celebrations.

“NAIDOC Week is a special time for all of us.

“It’s a chance to learn, listen and celebrate the strong culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this week happen. Benalla Rural City is lucky to have such a caring and supportive community.”

Everyone is welcome to join the local celebrations on Tuesday, July 7.

Event details:

The Lakeside Community Centre at the Benalla Showgrounds (accessed via Arundel St), will then host Family Fun Day activities.

These will include art, craft, stories, music and dancing, as well as games and sports activities for children.

Cultural displays, service information and trading tables will showcase the contributions and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and show what’s on offer in our region.

Key event times are: