Blue skies replaced the morning rain, car parks filled before lunchtime, and more than 7,000 people came together on Bundjalung Country for a vibrant celebration of Culture, connection and community at Big Deadly Day.
Delivered as part of NAIDOC Week 2026, Big Deadly Day brought Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, organisations and the wider community together to celebrate this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
What began as smaller, individual events for the host organisations has grown into one of the largest NAIDOC celebrations Lismore has seen, thanks to a shared commitment to creating opportunities for community to come together.
Co-hosted by CASPA, Ngunya Jarjum and Lismore City Council, and supported by community partners Jarjum Mirr Bulaangii and Yarn2Connect, the day transformed Oakes and Crozier Ovals into a hub of activity, featuring a touch football competition, cultural performances, live entertainment, free rides, community stalls, food and activities for all ages.
For 50 years, NAIDOC Week has provided an opportunity for Australians to recognise and celebrate the histories, Cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This year's milestone theme invited communities to reflect not only on five decades of advocacy and celebration, but on the enduring strength of the world's oldest continuing cultures.
Big Deadly Day created space for that celebration to come to life.
Throughout the day, Elders, families, young people, community organisations and local businesses came together in the spirit of pride and mutual respect. Cultural performances welcomed attendees to Country, while sporting activities, music and community engagement created opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect and celebrate together.
At the heart of Big Deadly Day were young people.
More than 200 young people participated in the Touch Football Competition, bringing energy, teamwork and enthusiasm to the fields throughout the day. For many Aboriginal young people, participating in NAIDOC celebrations surrounded by community and Culture is a powerful reminder that they are seen, valued and celebrated.
Across the event, children and families enjoyed free rides, wildlife experiences, games and activities, creating memories and connections that will last well beyond NAIDOC Week. Events like Big Deadly Day are important because they create opportunities for young people to feel proud of who they are, strong in their identity and connected to their community.
Perhaps the greatest success of Big Deadly Day was seeing the community come together.
More than 30 community organisations attended the event, providing free activities, information, support and opportunities for connection. Local performers donated their talents, businesses contributed sponsorship and in-kind support, volunteers gave their time, and community members showed up in incredible numbers.
The day was a powerful reminder that while communities often come together during times of hardship, it is equally important to create opportunities to come together in celebration. When people connect through shared experiences, culture, sport and community, relationships are strengthened and communities become more resilient.
Thank You
The success of Big Deadly Day would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of many people and organisations.
CASPA would like to thank our co-hosts Ngunya Jarjum and Lismore City Council, community partners Jarjum Mirr Bulaangii and Yarn2Connect, our performers, volunteers, stallholders and the more than 30 organisations who helped bring the day to life.
We are also incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity helped ensure the event remained free and welcoming for the whole community. Thank you to our:
Gold Sponsors
- Business NSW
- Coles
- Connect Northern Rivers
- Koori Mail
- Lean Finance
- Lismore Medical Mental Health Centre & Open Minds
- Men and Family Centre
- Mission Australia
- NDSP
- Northern Air
- Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre
- Raine & Horne Lismore
- Ready Quit Solid
- Southern Cross University
- Summerland Bank
- TAFE NSW
- University Centre for Rural Health
- Women’s Health Northern Rivers
- Youth Justice NSW
Silver Sponsors
- Collins Hume
- Commbank
- Lismore Physio
- Many Rivers Aboriginal Housing
- Newton Denny Chapelle
- Northern Rivers Housing
- O’Briens
- Verto
- YWCA
In-Kind Sponsors
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. Your presence, enthusiasm and support helped create something truly special.
The overwhelming response to Big Deadly Day demonstrates the value of bringing people together to celebrate Culture, community and connection. As we reflect on a successful NAIDOC Week celebration, we are filled with hope for what is possible when organisations, businesses, community groups and locals work together with a shared purpose.
Because when community comes together, everybody benefits.
