Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly with Our Community
NAIDOC Week is always a special time for us at Koiop Connect. It's an opportunity to come together to celebrate culture, honour the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and reflect on the stories, resilience and leadership that continue to shape our communities.
This year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marked an incredible milestone. For five decades, NAIDOC has celebrated the voices of our communities, honoured the legacy of our Elders, and recognised the people who have fought tirelessly to keep culture strong and thriving. It's a celebration of where we've come from, who we are today, and the generations who will continue to carry our stories forward.
House Managers Deb & Kristen, celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026.
Project Manager Suevanah and Koiop Connect Participant, McKenna, at the NAIDOC Week 2026 festival hosted by Awabakal.
As an Aboriginal-owned and operated organisation, this message resonates deeply with us.
Koiop Connect was founded on the belief that genuine support begins with connection. Connection to culture, connection to community, and connection to one another. These values continue to guide everything we do, creating culturally safe, respectful and empowering supports that help people build confidence, independence and a true sense of belonging.
Celebrating with our Community
Despite the wild weather, our community came together to celebrate what 50 Years of Deadly is all about at the annual NAIDOC Week Festival, proudly hosted by Awabakal. Koiop Connect was honoured to be a Bronze Partner of this year's event and to stand alongside so many incredible local organisations and movements celebrating culture, community and connection.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stall to say hello, join in our interactive games, have a go at guessing the lolly jar, and learn more about the supports we provide. It was a privilege to connect with participants, families, local organisations and community members, sharing stories, having a yarn, and celebrating the cultures, histories and connections that continue to strengthen our communities.
A special thank you to Awabakal Ltd for delivering another outstanding NAIDOC Week Festival and creating a welcoming space where people could come together to celebrate culture, build connections and honour the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Events like these are a powerful reminder that when community comes together, culture thrives, relationships grow, and the spirit of NAIDOC lives on well beyond the week itself.
Our Commitment
NAIDOC Week may only come around once a year, but its message lives on every day. At Koiop Connect, we remain committed to walking alongside our communities, empowering people through meaningful support, and creating opportunities where culture, respect and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.
Here's to 50 Years of Deadly and to continuing the journey together, with culture leading the way and community at the centre of all we do.