Nominations are open for the 2026 Parkes NAIDOC Awards!

A special inclusion for the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day will be the presentation of NAIDOC Awards to local people who have been supporting and encouraging building a rich cultural framework within our community as well as celebrating young and emerging leaders within our community.

Nominations in the following categories are open: Youth (Primary); Youth (Secondary); Elder; Non-Indigenous; Sportsperson; Creative Talent; Caring for Country & Culture; Education; Innovation; and Annette Sloane Award.

Nominations can be made online here. Nominations close on Sunday, 12 July 2026 at 5pm. Paper copies are available at Parkes Shire Library. Paper copies can also be submitted at the Library.

Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) are thrilled to be working with representatives from the Parkes Wiradjuri community to deliver the 2026 Parkes NAIDOC Celebration.

The Parkes NAIDOC event will be held on Saturday, 19 September 2026, between 10am and 1pm at Bushman’s Hill Wiradjuri Amphitheatre.

CWLL are pleased to be able to contribute coordination support to bring the event together with the fabulous committee of contributors lead by the Parkes Wiradjuri representatives.

We are very fortunate to have received financial support from Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Evolution Northparkes Community Investment Program, Landcare Enabling Program and Parkes Shire Council.

NAIDOC events are an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins emerged with Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s, seeking to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

In addition to the Award Ceremony, the Parkes NAIDOC event will provide free activities for families, including face painting, art and craft activities, jumping castles and fantastic performances. We will also have food to share on the day.

We are seeking involvement from local organisations. If you are part of an organisation that provide a service locally that would be relevant to the ethos of the event, you can submit your EOI here.

Thank you to the members of our community who contribute to our organising committee.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare