2026 theme - 50 Years of Deadly
This yearâs NAIDOC Week theme, â50 Years of Deadly,â marks a powerful milestone celebrating five decades of strength, pride, and the ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples, communities, and culture.
It recognises the unwavering leadership of Elders, the resilience of communities, and the voices that have driven advocacy, truth-telling, and change over generations.
NAIDOC began as a movement grounded in the fight for recognition, rights, and justice and has grown into a national platform that celebrates culture, honours resistance, and reinforces the strength of the worldâs oldest living cultures.
As we reflect on how far weâve come, â50 Years of Deadlyâ is also a call to action recognising the continued leadership of First Nations people today across every field, and the importance of ongoing progress driven by community and culture.
Looking ahead, the theme reminds us of the responsibility we all share to support the next chapter. One where future generations are empowered, culture continues to thrive, and the journey toward equity and reconciliation continues with strength and purpose.
Employees are encouraged to get involved in local NAIDOC Week events as an opportunity to learn, connect with community, and celebrate First Nations culture in a meaningful way. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by local community events taking place across Australia.
Find out what NAIDOC Week events are happening across the country and don't forget to share your own!
2026 NAIDOC Award Winners
Thank you to those who submitted nominations for our 2026 NAIDOC Awards. Please keep an eye out for an update later this week announcing our winners.
Colouring Competition
As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, we are inviting employees and their families to take part in a kids colouring-in competition, inspired by this yearâs theme, â50 Years of Deadly.â
This initiative is designed to spark conversation at home encouraging children and families to learn more about NAIDOC Week, First Nations culture, and the importance of recognising and celebrating the worldâs oldest living cultures.
By creating a simple way for families to get involved, we hope to support meaningful learning beyond the workplace, helping to build understanding, respect, and connection across generations
Please access the colouring competition options here
Completed entries can be submitted by emailing a photo or scanned copy of the artwork to MaintenanceHR@programmed.com.au by 12 July 2026. We canât wait to see the creativity from our families!
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) updates
There is a clear opportunity to bring both RAPs together into a more integrated, enterprise-wide approach, combining strong employment pathways with inclusive workplace practices to drive greater impact across Programmed.
Maintenance (Facility Management) RAP update
Current status
- The Facility Management Innovate RAP is active and in date (June 2024 â June 2026).
- Implementation is supported through established governance structures, including the RAP Committee and Working Group, with regular monitoring and reporting.
Key achievements
- Successfully launched the Innovate RAP, driving strong internal engagement through a national campaign across multiple channels.
- Established clear governance and accountability, including regular reporting, leadership oversight, and First Nations representation.
- Progress made against key pillars:
- Cultural awareness and learning programs implemented for staff and suppliers
- Visible cultural recognition across sites (e.g. Acknowledgement of Country signage and milestone displays)
- Ongoing focus on supplier diversity and Supply Nation engagement.
Next steps
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Continue ongoing actions, particularly:
- Engagement with First Nations stakeholders and partnerships
- Recruitment, retention, and employee engagement initiatives
- Expansion of cultural learning strategy and protocols
- Prepare for end-of-cycle reporting and transition.
- Begin planning for the next RAP phase, ensuring continuity beyond June 2026.
Staffing RAP update
Current status
- The Staffing Innovate RAP (September 2023 â September 2025) is now expired.
- Work has been underway to develop a new RAP, with direction shifting toward aligning or combining RAPs across the business.
Key achievements
- Strong outcomes delivered through the Staffing RAP approach, including:
- Employment pathways and recruitment initiatives for First Nations people
- Demonstrated impact through employment outcomes and supplier engagement (e.g. workforce participation and spend with Indigenous suppliers)
- Established foundations focused on ârecruit, train, place and supportâ models, complementing operational RAP initiatives in other divisions.
Next steps
- Finalise the future state RAP approach, including potential amalgamation into a single enterprise RAP.
- Align commitments and actions with the broader business operating model.
- Leverage existing strengths by:
- Expanding recruitment and training programs across divisions
- Integrating pathways into operational environments (e.g. maintenance contracts)
- Define clear targets, ownership and measures for the next RAP cycle.
Creating opportunities for First Nations people and businesses
We remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities supporting First Nations employment, career pathways, and partnerships with Indigenous businesses across our operations.
What we're doing
We are strengthening pathways for First Nations employment and supplier engagement, including supporting recruitment initiatives and working with Indigenous businesses.
Why it matters
This directly supports RAP commitments to employment, career pathways, and supplier diversity, building long-term impact across our communities and business.
Supporting First Nations businesses
A key focus of our RAPs is to strengthen our partnerships with First Nations businesses and create meaningful economic opportunities.
Through our ongoing relationship with Supply Nation, we continue to grow our engagement with Indigenous suppliers, supporting increased procurement, building capability, and embedding supplier diversity across our operations.
We are also working closely with organisations such as Kinaway, helping connect our teams with Aboriginal owned businesses and fostering partnerships that deliver mutual value for both our business and the communities we work alongside.
These partnerships are an important part of how we translate our commitment into action - supporting business growth, creating opportunities, and contributing to stronger, more inclusive supply chains.
First Nations uniforms
In 2024, we launched our new First Nations Uniforms, featuring Rohin Kickettâs artwork, which are available for ordering in Australia across PFM, PPS & PET.
We love to see these uniforms featured across our business as it will allow us all to start a conversation, and celebrate and recognise First Nation communities.
Please see below instructions on how to make an order if interested. Before making an order, please ensure the appropriate approvals are obtained per your business unit requirements.
NAIDOC digital downloads
We encourage everyone to have a look at the official NAIDOC Week digital downloads available below. Get involved and update your Teams background or use in other communications throughout the week
Content Source Note
This content has been developed using information sourced directly from the official NAIDOC Week website to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and alignment with the intended voice and messaging. All NAIDOC Week messaging must be developed using content from the official NAIDOC Week website. Other external websites or sources should not be used, to ensure cultural integrity and consistency of message.
Toolbox Talk
Read more about what NAIDOC Week is all about and how you can celebrate it locally. Please also share amongst your teams over the coming week.
Upcoming event: Cultural Capability - Mundanara Bayles
Wednesday 8 July | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm AEST
Modern leadership guided by Aboriginal wisdom.
Led by Mundanara Bayles, this session provides leaders with practical insights and skills to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Drawing on Aboriginal wisdom and guided by the Terms of Reference developed by Dr Lilla Watson, participants will explore how ethical, relational, and culturally informed leadership can strengthen organisational strategy, inclusion, and decision-making
Diversity and Inclusion is one of our four core values here at Programmed and we are proud to have strong representation from our Nationâs First People.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to building a more just and inclusive future.
Best regards,
Mark Rademaker
Executive General Manager, Human Resources
