Newcastle marks 50 years of Deadly with citywide NAIDOC Week events(City of Newcastle)
Newy 87.8 FM – Award-winning author and illustrator Dub Leffler will host an all-ages drawing workshop at Newcastle City Library as part of City of Newcastle's 2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The Bigambul man, who has illustrated more than 30 children's books including Sorry Day, will lead participants through guided drawing on Wednesday 8 July.
Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle's Guraki Standing Committee, said this year's program reflects the theme "50 years of Deadly" through creativity, connection and community participation.
"NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for our community to celebrate and recognise the history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Cr Richardson said.
The broader program includes natural art and silent disco sessions led by Uncle Amos Simon, where participants create artworks using natural materials, and NAIDOC-themed beading workshops at Wallsend Library inspired by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Newcastle Art Gallery will deliver LEGO printmaking workshops inspired by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson's Multiverse exhibition, alongside free studio weekend sessions for families.
The Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC march and festival, supported by City of Newcastle, returns on Monday 6 July, marking more than 20 years of community celebration. It begins with a flag-raising ceremony at Civic Park from 9am before the march heads to Foreshore Park for a full-day festival with live music, traditional dance, cultural activities, food stalls and rides.
NAIDOC Week runs nationally from 5 to 12 July.
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