July 2026

NAIDOC Week 2026: 50 Years of Deadly

Posted: July 3rd, 2026

NAIDOC Week begins this Sunday, 5 July – a time to come together in recognition and celebration of the rich history, diverse cultures, and remarkable achievements of our First Nations peoples. 

This year marks an important milestone: 50 years of NAIDOC Week. That’s five decades of honouring and amplifying the voices, resilience, and cultural strength of First Nations people. 

The 2026 theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, invites us not only to reflect on the past but also to look ahead with hope and pride. It celebrates the strength of all First Nations people, the vision of their communities, and the enduring legacy that their ancestors have passed down to today’s young leaders. 

NAIDOC Week is a meaningful opportunity to honour First Nations peoples and to recognise the importance of celebrating culture and supporting self-determination.  

Be sure to follow our YMAC LinkedIn page throughout NAIDOC Week as we highlight the journey so far, celebrating the leadership of today, and looking to the future being shaped by community.

Apply now to join the EDO First Nations Strategic Advisory Committee

Posted: July 2nd, 2026

The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from First Nations people to join the First Nations Strategic Advisory Committee (FNSAC).

The FNSAC provides First Nations cultural advice to the EDO to strengthen outcomes for First Nations people. It will also support the development of a First Nations Program, including a First Nations Strategy and input into work areas such as climate justice, cultural heritage, and advocacy.

Applications are encouraged from people with community and grassroots experience, cultural knowledge and connection to Country, and expertise across areas including policy, climate or environmental work, cultural heritage, law, governance, and advocacy. This includes First Nations Elders and those with cultural authorities, emerging First Nations leaders, First Nations people from remote and regional areas, and First Nations people with diverse lived experience and perspectives.

Remuneration and travel support will be provided, with members contributing to about five meetings per year. Applications can be submitted in written, audio, or video form, with the EOI process closing on Friday 7 August 2026.

Apply via this EOI online form, or email Jonathon.captainwebb@edo.org.au for more information.

Stay protected this Winter

Posted: July 1st, 2026

Protect yourself and your mob against common viruses by getting vaccinated this Winter.

With viruses constantly changing, it is important to keep up to date with vaccinations – especially as we start getting older.

If you fall into one of the below categories, you are eligible for free vaccination:

• Influenza (the flu): All First Nations people in Australia over 6 months old, once every 12 months.
• COVID-19: Everyone over the age of 65, once every 12 months.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): All First Nations people over the age of 60, one dose.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a series of resources for sharing among First Nations communities to encourage people to vaccinate against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. These resources include a fact sheet, a poster, social media tiles, a printable eligibility card, and videos – including an advert featuring Troy Cassar-Daley.

Find out more and download the resources on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.