Brewarrina Shire Council is preparing for a vibrant fortnight of cultural celebration, family fun and youth activities, with the 2026 Winter School Holiday Program and NAIDOC Week celebrations set to bring the community together from 6–17 July.

The first week of the program proudly aligns with NAIDOC Week, with events celebrating culture, connection and community pride. Activities include a Family Fun Day at Memorial Park, featuring live music, Ngemba dances, weaving, bush foods and medicines, arts and crafts, laser tag and more. The program also includes a Colour Run and Storm Co activities, a Youth Centre Cook Up with tie‑dye and screen‑printing, and Traditional Games in the park.

The community is also invited to celebrate the official opening of NAIDOC Week on Monday July 6, beginning with the annual community march from the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council at 10:30am. The march will make its way to the Brewarrina Cultural Museum, where the NAIDOC Opening will run from 11am–2pm. The event will feature a flag‑raising ceremony, speeches, Koori music, weaving, boomerang painting, an Elders Tent and a community lunch.

In Goodooga, the team from Songline Skateboarding will be breaking in the brand new Goodooga Skate Park on Thursday July 9 for a full day of skate lessons, games, challenges, demonstrations, skateboard art, wellbeing talks, prizes and giveaways. Lunch is included, and skateboards and helmets are provided (bring your own if you have them).

It’s the perfect chance for young people to break in the new park, learn new skills and enjoy a safe, active and fun day with the community.

General Manager David Kirby said the Winter School Holiday Program is an important opportunity to celebrate culture while providing safe, engaging activities for local young people.

“NAIDOC Week is a time for our whole community to come together, honour culture and celebrate the strength and pride of our First Nations families. Our holiday program reflects that spirit; it’s inclusive, it’s vibrant and it’s something everyone can be part of,” Mr Kirby said.

Week two of the holidays continues the momentum with Youth Centre cooking sessions, PlayStation challenges, indoor sports, board games, park games and more.

Mr Kirby also acknowledged the support of the NSW Premier’s Department, which has provided additional funding to strengthen and expand the program.

“The extra funding from the Premier’s Department has allowed Council to expand activities, support more cultural programming and ensure our young people have safe, engaging and meaningful opportunities throughout the holidays. It’s an investment in our kids, our culture and our community.”

All activities are free, supervised and open to all children and families across the Brewarrina Shire.

Council encourages everyone to join in the celebrations throughout the July school holidays and keep up to date with the full program by following their Brewarrina Shire Council on social media.