Blue Mountains City Council First Nations Community Updates

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs adopted an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People on 4 March 2026, following a referral from the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.

For more information follow the link:

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Affairs

We are seeking Expression of Interest (EOI) for a NAIDOC event to be held at Blue Mountains Theatre + Community Hub on Sunday 5^th July from 11am to 3pm.

Are you a First Nations musician, performer or conduct weaving and/or cultural activities, face painting, and kids’ activities?

OR

Are you a First Nations creator that would like to sell your wares at this event?

To fill out the EOI, follow the link https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/about-us/opportunities/

Based at Rooty Hill - empowering First Nations women and girls

• Life and career planning sessions
• Resume writing and interview skills workshops
• Job readiness assessments and training
• Exploring training for in-demand local jobs
• Entrepreneurship training pathways
• Ongoing mentoring and well being support
• Post placement support once employed
• Mums & Bubs group
• Referrals to support services
• Connection Days with employers who have work placement opportunities
• Traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities
• Identification, licencing and pre-employment requirement

Phone 1800 732 538 or email info@realfutures.net

https://realfutures.net/womens-business/

First Nations Wellness and Suicide Prevention Connect to Culture FREE 8 week program.

Start date 22 April 2026

Junction 142, 142 Katoomba St, Katoomba

Culturally trained staff and Red Dust Healing practitioners deliver this program with respect for Country and community. Don't go it alone, come yarn and walk forward together.

For more information go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/department-of-planning-housing-and-infrastructure/aboriginal-outcomes/native-title-policy-for-nsw

For more information

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nhaala-a-day-on-dharug-country-2026-tickets-1983339024412

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