Across Bamara, teams celebrated NAIDOC Week 2026 (5 – 12 July) by participating in community events and celebrations throughout Australia. One highlight was our online NAIDOC Week Couch Talk 2026, which brought together First Nations leaders and allies from across the organisation to share their reflections on this year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly. 

Hosted by Jamie-Lee, proud Bundjalung woman and Bamara’s National Cultural and Wellbeing Operations Manager, the discussion explored what NAIDOC Week means personally, what inspires pride in First Nations identity, and how we can all continue to embed the spirit of NAIDOC into the way we live and work every day. 

Meet the panel 

Our panel featured:

  • Lesley Zarb – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  
  • Jayson Sandiford – Proud Wiradjuri man and Director, Bamara Board 
  • Daniel Gibson – Human Resources Manager 
  • Zara Doherty – Proud Bindal woman and Parent Pathways Support Mentor 
  • Samantha Luck – Regional Manager, Inclusive Employment Australia

Opening the conversation 

The session began with a Welcome to Country from Zara. 

“Today is an incredible, significant and historical milestone as we celebrate the NAIDOC Week theme of 50 Years of Deadly. For five decades, NAIDOC has been a powerful platform for truth-telling, self-determination and amplifying First Nations voices. When we use the word deadly, we’re talking about excellence, pride and the brilliant resilience of the world’s oldest continuous living culture,” Zara said. 

Key Takeaways from our panelists

What does NAIDOC Week mean to you personally? 

“We talk about the opportunity to connect ourselves as mob, but also the opportunity to open that connection up to our non-Aboriginal brothers and sisters as well. That’s what’s important to me. It brings the opportunity to come together and celebrate our history, our culture and our achievements, and to share them across the country and across our communities,” Jayson said. 

“We learn about culture through listening to people’s stories, listening to what’s going on in the community and what people experience. It’s about people. It’s about connecting, being together, learning and listening,” Lesley said. 

This year we’re celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC. When you reflect on the changes over the years, what stands out to you the most? 

“In my younger days, it wasn’t spoken about a lot. There wasn’t much around NAIDOC or the celebrations. Seeing the openness and acceptance grow—not only among non-Indigenous people but also within Indigenous communities—has been incredible. Through the generations, everyone is learning and everyone is accepting,” Zara said. 

“The biggest change I’ve seen as an ally is there’s more education and learning. I love asking questions, and I’m very fortunate to be part of an organisation that celebrates diversity and encourages our teams to get out and celebrate this amazing week,” Samantha said.  

For the First Nations staff here today, what makes you proud to be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? 

“As Aboriginal people, we have a proud history and a proud culture that is unique and diverse. You look at the communities Bamara works with, from Far North Queensland to Central Australia and Western New South Wales. Being able to see the uniqueness of our cultures and our people, and the resilience that’s been shown over generations really resonates with me. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” Jayson said.  

“I think in our line of work, each and every single one of us here today is privileged to hold a position where we are able to hear people’s stories. We have people come in and sit in front of us every day and share a piece of their history, their family and their journey, whatever that might be, which is an honour,” Jamie-Lee said. 

What’s your hope for the next 50 years for First Nations people in Australia? 

“I’m really hopeful that momentum continues. Look at all the great things, all the leaders in our communities, our champions, our Aboriginal leaders, our comedians, and our actors. The cultural piece is really strong now. I feel like, over the next 50 years, we’re definitely on the right track,” Lesley said. 

“I probably won’t be here for the next 50th year of NAIDOC Week. However, my granddaughter, who’s 14 months old and proudly identifies, will be. I just hope the longer we’re all here that we just continue to celebrate and celebrate and celebrate,” Samantha said.  

What does it look like to truly embed the spirit of NAIDOC into the way we work, lead and support one another every day at Bamara? 

“I’d love to see everyone embrace it and not save it all for NAIDOC Week. Learn a little more about each other. Make it a movement that happens all the time,” Daniel said.  

“Whether you’re Indigenous or non-Indigenous, ask the questions. Don’t be afraid to ask us about our culture. I’ve learned from the non-Indigenous side too. If you’re not sure, just ask. Most of us are open books, and we have the deadliest sense of humour,” Zara said.  

Reflecting on NAIDOC Week 2026 

From reflections on the past to hopes for the future, our panel reminded us that the strength of First Nations cultures lies in their resilience, connection and willingness to share knowledge 

As we celebrate 50 Years of Deadly, we honour those who have paved the way, celebrate the leaders of today, and look forward to a future where culture continues to thrive for generations to come.\

For more information on NAIDOC week, and to find out what you can do to support and celebrate, head to the official NAIDOC website.

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