50 Years of Deadly

NAIDOC Week 2026 will be held from Sunday 5 July - Sunday 12 July and is an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks a milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement, including Elders, organisers, artists and communities. This NAIDOC Week is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, the leadership.*

During NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone but a movement that endures, grows, and evolves - driven by the unwavering strength of communities.

*Source: www.naidoc.org.au

Find out more about NAIDOC Week 2026 here.

Join us in-centre for NAIDOC Week

Celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with us at Westfield Southland.

Aboriginal art workshop

Join us at Southland this NAIDOC Week as we celebrate the 2026 theme "50 Years of Deadly", celebrating five decades of NAIDOC Week - a powerful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history, and resilience.

During the art workshops, participants will be immersed in the ancient tradition of storytelling, learning Aboriginal symbols creating their own masterpiece - facilitated by Merindah-Gunya herself.

Friday 10 July - SOLD OUT
Book one of two sessions curated for different age groups: 10am (2 years - 5 years) & 10.40am (6 years - 12 years)
Location: Kids Club, Level 2 near Toyworld.
Cost: FREE, exclusive to Westfield Members
Discover more HERE.

For best parking, park in P2 Green, off Tennyson Street.

Visit Merindah-Gunya's 'On Country' mural

As part of Westfield Southland's upgrades in 2025, Aboriginal artist, Merindah-Gunya was commissioned to add vibrancy to the precinct with her artwork, 'On Country'.

About the Artwork: ‘On Country'

'On Country' focuses on the strong connection to Bunurong Country, the traditional land on which Southland stands. It celebrates the cultural heritage of the Bunurong people by including features inspired by the natural landscape, such as local plants, animals, and waterways, which are important to their history and traditions. These ideas are brought to life through art, storytelling, and shared spaces that acknowledge and honour the Bunurong people and their connection to the land.

Just as the Bunurong people valued gathering and connection, Southland is now a modern space where people meet, shop, and spend time together. By blending the past with the present, ‘On Country’ creates a space that respects Bunurong culture while also celebrating Southland as a hub for today’s community. It’s about connection and coming together.

Location: Find her artwork at the orange car park entrance near Village Cinemas.
Discover more HERE.

For best parking, park in P2 Orange, off Nepean Highway.

We met with Emilie Barker, 2024 Local Heroes finalist and co-founder of The Minhi’s Netball Club, to understand the significance of NAIDOC Week to the club, which was created in memory of loved ones and to promote good health among First Nations People. Read the interview here.

You can also find out more about NAIDOC Week and what it means to ENOKi, the Aboriginal artist behind our 2026 NAIDOC Week campaign.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment. Westfield is a proud participant in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme which helps to support and raise awareness for people living with a hidden disability.

We also offer 'Quiet Time’ every Tuesday between 10:30am and 11:30am with our centre lights dimmed and music volume adjusted. At some centres, beyond the common areas, many of our retailers will also participate by dimming the lights and lowering the music in their stores during ‘Quiet Time’.

For more information and sensory maps, visit your local centre’s website and search “quiet time”.