Celebrating strong families & strong futures with 50 years of Deadly

This NAIDOC Week (5 to 12 July), Triple P – Positive Parenting Program experts are encouraging families across Australia to come together and connect while recognising five decades of celebrating the culture, strength and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

Vena Beetson, a First Nations (Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri) Trainer and Triple P Implementation Consultant, said the week provides a valuable opportunity for families to engage with and explore First Nations knowledge, stories and perspectives in ways that feel meaningful in everyday life.

“This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, highlights both reflection and looking ahead,” Vena Beetson said. “Families don’t need all the answers when talking about NAIDOC Week or First Nations histories and cultures, just a willingness to be curious, to listen and to learn alongside their children.”

“NAIDOC reflects ongoing leadership and cultural knowledge that remain deeply connected to First Nations ways of knowing, doing and being. It’s not just about recognising the past but thinking about how we support the next generation in everyday family life,” she said.

“In our work with First Nations communities across Australia, there’s a strong focus on thinking long-term, planning for the next 60,000 years. It’s a perspective grounded in care, connection and responsibility across generations.”

Vena Beetson said small, everyday moments at home can play a powerful role in shaping children’s future.

“When children feel heard and included, they grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of belonging,” she said.

“Simple things like sharing stories and listening deeply help children understand different cultural perspectives, build respect for the world around them and create positive shared experiences for families.”

“For many children, conversations about NAIDOC Week begin at school and carry into the home, which can be a great starting point for families,” Vena Beetson said.

“Asking what your child has learned or what they’re curious about helps keep those discussions going and shows them their ideas matter.”

Triple P tips for celebrating NAIDOC Week as a family:

• Read and connect: Choose a children’s book by a First Nations author and read together
• Watch and listen together: Explore films, animations or music by First Nations creators
• Join local celebrations: Attend a community NAIDOC event or activity

“Engaging with NAIDOC Week together helps children grow up with respect, curiosity and connection, values that stay with kids over time and shape how they see themselves, others and their place in the world.”

Find out more information about NAIDOC Week.