Blue Mountains City Council First Nations Community Updates

For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of our communities — steady, unapologetic, and proud. Each year, its themes have called for truth, celebrated culture, honoured resistance, and reminded the nation of who we are.

Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up, year after year.

NAIDOC has always been more than a week — it’s a platform, a protest, a celebration, and a statement of survival.

This moment is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, the leadership. At the strength it took to get here. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, not by chance, but because generations of people refused to be silenced.

It’s also about the here and now, who we are today. Grounded in culture. Strong in our identity. Leading change across every field, from health and education to media, business, and the arts. We’re telling our own stories, in our own way, on our own terms.

And it’s about the future. The next 50 years. The young ones growing up proud. The return of language. The return to Country. The fight for justice continuing with new tools, new voices, and the same fire.

Fifty Years of Deadly is a marker, not just of time passed, but of the momentum still building. It’s proof of what our people build when culture leads and community comes first. NAIDOC belongs to mob. It always has.

We honour what came before by continuing the work.

This is our story. This is our celebration. This is our future.

Still deadly. Always.

The Aboriginal Funeral Transport "Sorry Business" initiative provides assistance with transport for Aboriginal communities throughout NSW, including metro Sydney, to attend funerals in NSW. For more information follow the link or phone NSW Trains on the number below:

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/aboriginal-funeral-transport-programhttps://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/aboriginal-funeral-transport-program

• NSW Trains: contact Chandler Macleod Managed Training Services (MTS) between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 361 787
• Fuel car or bus: This can only be accessed via a community organisation, e.g. Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), community/transport organisation who are willing to submit the TfNSW Sorry Business application form on the applicant's behalf.

**Please allow up to 3 business days for applications to be processed.

Please register your interest in learning the Dharug language of place (Ngurra). This is an introduction to the Dharug dhalang (language) for school leavers and community members over the age of 18 years.

TIME: 10:30am to 12:30pm (2 hours per lesson)

To register, please scan the QR code. You will be directed to an online form to complete the EOI details. There is limited capacity, so please register as soon as possible to secure your participation. For all inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Bayala at info@bayala.com.au

STRENGTH will showcase works from members of the local Indigenous community, curated by Aunty Elly Chatfield. Themes of the exhibition cover how strength has played a part in the ways in which these artists navigate the world. “This First Nations-led exhibition celebrates works from members of the local Indigenous community and those who have Cultural connections to the Blue Mountains,” Aunty Elly said. “STRENGTH coincides with the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008. “This body of works is a powerful demonstration of how strength holds people’s lives together after being forcibly interrupted.” Proudly supported by Blue Mountains Aboriginal Advisory Council.

Exhibition Opening: Friday 13 February, from 6pm with FREE ADMISSION
Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub
106 Macquarie Road, Springwood

The First Nations Creatives Survey is being run to better understand the experiences, needs and aspirations of First Nations creatives in the Blue Mountains. The feedback will help guide future creative opportunities, programs and ways of working that are respectful, inclusive and led by community priorities. By sharing your views, you are helping to inform how Council and partners can better support First Nations creatives, strengthen cultural advisability, and create meaningful opportunities now and into the future.

Follow the link to undertake the survey https://yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/first-nations-creatives-survey or contact the First Nations team for a hard copy.

Survey closes Friday 28th February, 2026.

I work For NSW: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/discovery-ranger-identified-559237

SEEK : https://www.seek.com.au/Discovery-Ranger-jobs?cid=company-profile&companyid=667182&ref=company-profile&jobId=89793856&type=standard

Discovery Ranger Identified x2

• Casual – multiple opportunities, no guaranteed hours per week
• Casual rates apply depending on experience ($46.35 to $50.76) plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and casual loading
• Based in Katoomba

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

About the role

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is offering a unique opportunity for two casual Discovery Rangers to join the Blue Mountains team. In this role, you’ll create and lead interactive programs that connect people with the unique natural and cultural heritage of New South Wales.

As a Discovery Ranger, you will design and deliver engaging experiences across a variety of outdoor locations, fostering awareness, appreciation, and understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage and the environment. The role is focused on interpretive and educational guiding, delivering in-school experiences along with developing programs and resources. There are opportunities for ongoing training and development.

For more information read the full Role Description: Discovery Ranger Identified

Applications close – Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 11:55PM.

The Aboriginal Advisory Council will be holding a wreath laying on 26 January.

8am Peace Sculpture, Civic Place Katoomba (in the park, opposite Blue Mountains City Council main entry)

This is an informal event, time for reflection, to show each other care and support, all welcome.

Time & Location

To find out about other events happening around the country, visit https://antar.org.au/issues/survival-day/events-listing/

Make this happen!

https://fan-force.com/cinema/hoyts-cinemas-mt-druitt/

The screening only happens if enough tickets are sold. You will only get charged if it goes ahead.