BASKETBALL NSW is preparing to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 with a series of community basketball events across regional New South Wales, including a major gala day involving young people from the Armidale region.

Held from July 5 to July 12, NAIDOC Week this year carries the theme 50 Years Deadly, recognising the stories, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while celebrating the future of First Nations communities.

This year marks a significant milestone in the history of NAIDOC, celebrating 50 years of recognising, elevating and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, achievements and contributions to the nation.

National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Lynette Riley said 2026 marks an important milestone for NAIDOC and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.

“The committee is committed to ensuring this anniversary is celebrated in a way that reflects its significance and honours the generations of people who have contributed to the NAIDOC journey,” she said.

“We look forward to recognising our finalists and bringing communities together to celebrate the achievements, leadership and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Committee co-chair Steven Satour said 50 years deadly is a remarkable milestone for NAIDOC and Aboriginal communities.

“The committee wants to ensure this celebration is delivered in a way that reflects the significance of the occasion and provides the opportunity for people from across the country to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence,” he said.

The 50 Years Deadly theme recognises five decades of the NAIDOC movement and honours the Elders, trailblazers, artists, organisers and communities who have helped shape its legacy, while also acknowledging the next generation carrying that legacy forward.

As part of the celebrations, Basketball NSW will once again deliver and support a range of regional basketball events aimed at bringing communities together through sport in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

A highlight for northern New South Wales will be the Armidale Community NAIDOC 3×3 Gala Day, which is being hosted by Armidale Basketball in partnership with Pathfinders on Thursday, July 9 at Armidale Basketball Stadium.

The Armidale gala day, with Aussie Hoops for 4-10 years from 10.30am to midday and 8-16 years 3×3 games from 12.30pm until 3pm, forms part of a broader program of NAIDOC Week basketball celebrations being conducted across New South Wales.

The day is designed to provide an opportunity for young people to connect through basketball while celebrating culture, community and friendship. Participants will take part in social 3×3 basketball games and enjoy a range of activities promoting community engagement and cultural awareness.

Basketball NSW said the event reflects the important role sport can play in strengthening community connections and creating positive opportunities for young people.

With NAIDOC Week approaching, organisers encourage young people from the Armidale region to get involved and take part in a day focused on basketball, culture and community connection.

Basketball NSW will also host four major NAIDOC 3×3 Gala Days in Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour, Griffith and West Wyalong, bringing together players, families and community members to celebrate culture through sport.

Each event will feature social basketball competitions, cultural activities and opportunities for community engagement, creating a welcoming environment for participants of all ages and abilities.

Basketball NSW said the annual events continue to grow in popularity and provide an important platform for recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.