NAIDOC WEEK

50 Years of Deadly

5-12 July

An annual celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Brown’s Mart is delighted to be presenting a range of events and experiences, under the Stewardship of Honorary Elder in Residence, Uncle Richard Fejo Snr, curated and presented by Emerging Creative Producer, Tahlia Biggs, and Producer, Balla Neba.

From moments of connection and celebration through film, education, live performances and gatherings - we look forward to announcing a program that has something for the whole community.

Dinidjanggama, heavy dew time on tropical Garamilla, land of the Larrakia people.

EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES

Image credit: Jason Lee

Exhibition of previous NAIDOC posters

NIDA First Nations Technical Production Pathways 2026

Applications Now Open ~ The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in partnership with Brown’s Mart presents an inspiring opportunity for First Nations young people aged 18–25 from Darwin and across the Northern Territory to build skills and begin a career behind the scenes in the performing arts.

Delivered at Brown’s Mart precinct in Darwin, NIDA First Nations Technical Production Pathways 2026 is a free five-day intensive program running from Monday 6 July - Friday 10 July (National NAIDOC week) and will provide hands-on training in technical and production roles for live performance, including stage management, lighting, sound, and festival operations.

First Nations young people aged 18–25 from Darwin and across the Northern Territory are encouraged to apply for this opportunity, NIDA First Nations Technical Production Pathways 2026, by email to FirstNations@nida.edu.au, and tell us in one hundred words or more who your mob is, where you are from, and why you would like to take part in this course.

NIDA’s Director of First Nations Travis Cardona said, “First Nations people remain underrepresented in technical and production roles within Australia’s entertainment industry, despite strong demand. This free program addresses that gap by combining world-class training with practical, real-world pathways into employment across live events, theatre and festivals.”

Brown’s Mart Co-CEOs Liz Rogers and Yvette Walker said, “Brown’s Mart has always been a place for genuine connection, bold ideas and cultural excellence and its ultimate vision is to bring together people to share their stories and cultural traditions through live performance. This partnership with NIDA will allow young First Nations peoples to build vital skills, grow their professional networks, and contribute to a strengthening First Nations technical workforce in the Northern Territory.”

Led by NIDA’s industry respected teaching staff and presented in collaboration withBrown’s Mart, the program will provide a direct pathway for participants to gain in demand skills and connect with local employment opportunities.

Applications are open to First Nations young people aged 18–25. Apply before Monday 22 June, 11:59 pm (AEST).

Interested applicants can apply by emailing: FirstNations@nida.edu.au

2026 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

Two poster graphics for movies Our Generation (2010) and Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land (2024)

Our Generation Media Double Film screening

SUNDAY 5 JULY
2pm - 6pm
BROWN'S MART THEATRE
$20

Our Generation Media welcomes you all to join film maker Sinem Saban for this intimate Sunday afternoon event that will showcase her two award winning films:

Our Generation (2010)

Winner Best Campaign Award at London International Film Festival 2011

and

Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land (2024)

Winner of 'The Change Award' Adelaide Film Festival 2022

Winner of 'Human Rights Award' Montreal Independent Film Festival 2023

Both films were made in close collaboration with the late Yolngu elder and lawman, Rev. Dr D Gondarra OAM and present the heartfelt reality of what has been unfolding in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory over the last 20 years.

THE SCHEDULE:

1.45pm - Doors Open
2pm - Event Starts / First Film, Our Generation begins
3.15pm. - First film ends / Intermission - FREE tea, coffee and snacks will be available
3.45pm. - Second film, Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land begins
5.15pm. - Second film ends, Q+A with film maker and other guests TBA
6pm - Event Ends

You are welcome to BYO your favourite drinks and snacks, we will have free tea, coffee and popcorn available also.

This is a no alcohol event.

We will have limited edition tshirt merchandise available to purchase on the day.

This will sell out fast, so please get in quick to avoid disappointment.

Secure tickets here

Photo of children and young people listening to Aunty Christine Fejo and others

Constant Horizons; Science from our Ancestors, From the Dreaming to Beyond

SUNDAY 5 JULY
9am - 5pm
BROWN'S MART STUDIO & COURTYARD
Recommend ages 5+ - parent/guardian must be present. Family-friendly activity.
Free and catered event, bookings mandatory

A free community event celebrating 50 years of Deadly - NAIDOC Week through a lens of First Nations science, innovation, storytelling and knowledge systems.

Led by proud Larrakia, Warumungu and Chinese woman Dr Christine Fejo-King, this unique event explores the connections between First Nations knowledge systems and Western science. Through presentations, yarning circles, creative workshops and community conversations, participants of all ages are invited to discover how Indigenous science has shaped our understanding of the world for thousands of years.

Whether you're a parent, student, educator, Elder, scientist, artist or simply curious, this event welcomes everyone to learn, create and connect.

Uncle Richie Presents: Monday

MONDAY 6 JULY
BROWN'S MART THEATRE
$20 per session, each session ticketed individually

11am - 12pm

Larrakia History will be presented by Uncle Richie who will present on the broader First Nations experience of colonisation at a national level followed by historian Sam Wells who will present more specifically on Larrakia history and the Larrakia Welcome to Country.

12:15pm - 1:15pm

Following this conversation Uncle Richie will host Don Christopherson to present on the history of the Stolen Generations in the Northern Territory accompanied by retired hair of the Stolen Generations NT Ilene Cummings and company presenting actual accounts from members of the Stolen Generations children.

Uncle Richie Presents: Tuesday

TUESDAY 7 JULY
BROWN'S MART THEATRE
$20 per session, each session ticketed individually

11am - 12pm

Hear from Jarod Archibald before a conversation with Larrakia Elder Professor Christine Fejo-King on her Larrakia ancestors who were in Darwin for the war defending Larrakia lands.

12:15 - 1:15pm

After this, Uncle Richard will host the Chair of “Cyclone Tracy Remembers”, Richard Creswick discussing the highly successful event “Cyclone Tracy Remembers” followed by personal accounts of Professor Christine Fejo-King and Darwin legend Charlie King AM.

Secure tickets here

Produced and facilitated by Mana Creative

Mana Creative Modelling Program

Deadly Funny: Workshop

SATURDAY 11 JULY
4pm - 6pm
BROWN'S MART THEATRE

Cheeky, loud, black and proud – Deadly Funny is back!

Australia's premier First Nations comedy competition, presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, is back looking for the most hilarious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers from across the country.

All you need is five minutes of funny material. Whether it's stand-up, musical, sketch, physical, dance, character-based, or simply sharing a funny yarn, the stage is yours!

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over the age of 18. You will be given an opportunity to sit with a seasoned professional comedian in a two-hour workshop to help refine your ideas before you unleash your talent onstage. Need another reason to get involved? You could win a trip to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to perform at the National Grand Final, where you’ll be in the running for a massive $3,000 national winner prize.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity! Step up, grab the mic and show the world you are deadly funny!

Deadly Funny: Show

SATURDAY 11 JULY
SHOW: 7pm - 9pm
BROWN'S MART THEATRE

Melbourne International Comedy Festival proudly presents DEADLY FUNNY

Cheeky, loud, black, and proud! Join us for an exciting night of comedy as the most incredible emerging comedians and storytellers take the stage.

For almost two decades this deadly competition has unearthed the freshest, fiercest, funniest comedians and yarn-spinners from the oldest culture on earth.

Open to First Nations comedians and storytellers, Deadly Funny and has seen the likes Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders, Shiralee Hood, Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie and Sean Choolburra as both participants and mentors.

Grab tickets for you and your mates – a night full of laughs awaits!

More info and tickets below.

TICKETS HERE

NAIDOC Afterparty

RSVP on facebook here