50 Years of Deadly

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

Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who have 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.

The City is proud to present our City Hall NAIDOC Projections program celebrating ’50 Years Deadly’. It features the work of nine local First Nation artists representing both traditional and contemporary imagery from artists living and working on Wadawurrung Country.

The artists featured include

Chloe Chatterton (Wadawurrung), Nikkie McKenzie (Wadawurrung), Tracey Pocock (Wurundjeri Yorta Yorta ), Michelle Searle (Awabakal), Billy Jay (BJ) O’Toole (Wadawurrung) Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung), Jessi Rebel (Wiradjuri), Kiri Tawhai (Noongar, Ngapuhi and NgatiTuwharetoa ) Matthew Chatterton (Wadawurrung)

We are proud to share this work with the Greater Geelong community and celebrate 50 years of cultural strength. 

Banner image - Dja by Billy-Jay O'Toole