Mansfield to Celebrate 50 Years of NAIDOC Week with Diverse Program of

Mansfield Shire residents and visitors are invited to come together this July to celebrate Aboriginal culture, connection and community as part of a diverse program marking the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.

Running from 5–12 July 2026, this year’s program features cultural workshops, film screenings, wellbeing activities and family-friendly events designed to celebrate and recognise the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s program has been developed by Gadhaba LAN, meaning ‘Together’ in Taungurung language to reflect the spirit of collaboration, connection and community that underpins the week’s celebrations.

Aunty Angela Ten Buuren said the program was designed to create opportunities for the Mansfield Shire community to connect with Aboriginal culture through shared experiences, learning and celebrations.

“This program has been created to provide meaningful experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds, whether that’s through storytelling, art, film, workshops or simply coming together as a community,” said Aunty Angela.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council was pleased to continue to support the program.

“There are lots of opportunities for community members to come together, learn and enjoy free events, from workshops to film screenings, storytime sessions and craft activities,” said Cr Rabie.

The program will officially commence with a Welcome, Smoking ceremony and Flag Raising at the Gadhaba Gathering Place near the Visitor Information Centre on Sunday 5 July, signalling the beginning of celebrations across the week.

Program highlights include:

• NAIDOC Week Launch and Smoking Ceremony – Sunday 5 July

 • First Nations Aromatherapy and Wellbeing Workshop with Lee Couch – Tuesday 7 July

• Journey Home: David Gulpilil Film Screening and Q&A – Thursday 9 July

• Pyrography Workshop with Iluka Sax-Williams – Friday 10 July

• Native Plant Dye Workshop with Cassie Leatham – Saturday 11 July

• Weaving Workshop with Cassie Leatham – Saturday 11 July

Families and young people can also enjoy an extensive range of NAIDOC-themed activities at Mansfield Library throughout the school holiday period, including Storytime sessions, art activities, painting workshops, movie screenings and drop-in craft activities.

All events are free to attend; however bookings are essential for selected activities. Head to Eventbrite and search NAIDOC in Mansfield to book.

Gadhaba Chair Miranda Connaughton acknowledged the organisations and community partners who had worked together to make the program possible.

“Programs like this only happen when people come together,” Miranda said.

“We thank everyone who has supported this year’s program and helped create opportunities for our community to celebrate, connect and learn together.”

This year’s program has been supported through collaboration between Gadhaba LAN, Mansfield Shire Council, Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG), Mansfield Community Bank, Mansfield Library, Mansfield Shire Youth and the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA).

Community members are encouraged to get involved, participate in events and celebrate 50 years of Deadly NAIDOC Week with the Mansfield community.