Celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—through the power of sport.
NAIDOC Week, held across Australia in the first week of July, is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. True Sport’s Cultural Education Initiative helps clubs, coaches, officials, parents and participants turn that recognition into practical action—building respect, cultural safety and stronger sporting communities.
- Learn what NAIDOC Week is and why it matters
- Participate in local celebrations and listen to First Nations voices
- Act in your club to create safer, more welcoming sporting spaces
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an invitation for all Australians to learn, listen and engage respectfully with First Nations histories, cultures and communities. Each year’s theme helps focus conversations and activities across the country.
The most meaningful participation is guided by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices—through community events, local partnerships and recognition of achievements celebrated during NAIDOC Week.
Why NAIDOC Week Matters to Sport
Sport brings people together, which gives clubs and organisations a powerful role in creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel safe, welcomed and respected. True Sport supports this by promoting fair play, positive culture and practical resources that strengthen inclusion across WA sport.
What Sport Can Do (This NAIDOC Week and Beyond)
The strongest impact comes from simple, consistent actions. Here are practical ways different members of a sporting community can help.
Clubs & Administrators
Partner locally:
Connect early with local Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to understand how your club can participate respectfully.
Review your environment:
Make sure policies, signage and reporting pathways clearly show that racism and discrimination are not tolerated.
Build cultural capability:
Support committee members, coaches and volunteers to undertake cultural learning and share consistent messages across the club.
Coaches, Officials & Volunteers
Set expectations:
Make respectful language and behaviour a clear team standard before training and games.
Act early:
Respond consistently to racialised comments, exclusion or harassment using club processes.
Create belonging:
Acknowledge every participant, keep learning, and seek guidance from First Nations-led resources and local community advice.
Parents & Spectators
Cheer with respect:
Encourage effort and teamwork without abusing officials, players or communities.
Speak up safely:
Challenge racism or stereotypes and follow club reporting pathways where needed.
Support participation:
Help create a welcoming environment for new families and participants.
Athletes & Participants
Lead by example:
Welcome teammates and use respectful language at all times.
Make space:
Listen when First Nations teammates or community members share their experiences.
Speak up:
Support others if you witness racism or exclusion and seek help from a coach, official or club leader.
NAIDOC Week Activations for Your Club
Start small, do it well, and make it ongoing. Always seek permission, follow local cultural protocols, and ensure activities are led or endorsed by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
- Host a community yarn: Invite a local speaker to share perspectives on Country, community and cultural safety in sport.
- Set a sideline standard: Use a short pre-game message to reinforce respectful behaviour and inclusion.
- Create a learning space: Share local history, language or First Nations sporting stories with permission.
- Celebrate excellence: Recognise First Nations players, volunteers and officials with their consent.
2026 Theme - 50 Years of Deadly
For 50 years, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the strength, pride and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2026 theme, “Fifty Years of Deadly,” recognises the Elders, leaders, artists and communities who have shaped this movement, honouring a legacy grounded in culture, resilience and connection to Country.
More than a celebration, NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and look to the future. Through the True Sport Cultural Education Initiative, it offers an opportunity for the sporting community to deepen understanding, strengthen respect, and support a future where culture and community continue to lead.