For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices, strength and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, the 2026 theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly,’ marks a powerful milestone, honouring the creativity and resilience that have shaped this movement, and the Elders, artists and communities who continue to stand strong.
To mark this occasion, the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) is proud to have supported a special exhibition celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC posters, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Division of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) and the South Australian Museum.
The exhibition is being displayed in three areas of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital but is far more than a visual display. It offers patients, families, visitors and hospital staff a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect and deepen their understanding of First Nations histories and voices, moving beyond symbolic acknowledgement to genuine engagement.
Creating spaces that welcome and inspire
For the Foundation, supporting this collaborative exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to culturally informed partnership, and to creating visible, respectful spaces within the hospital where First Nations stories are seen, shared and celebrated.
The exhibition has been thoughtfully placed across three meaningful locations throughout the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, each chosen to invite reflection and connection:
- The Mirdilyayanthi Window Mural corridor, where natural light meets the mural design to create an experience of hope and inspiration. Created in 2023 through a partnership between our Arts in Health Program and the Art Gallery of South Australia, the mural features the work of artists Grace Bennett, Elizabeth Close, Shane Cook, Thomas Readett and Jacki Saunders.
- The Ngangkita Ngartu wall, which welcomes families into the Aboriginal Family Birthing Program with themes of nurturing, identity and intergenerational strength.
- Tirkanthi Kuu, the hospital’s main lecture theatre, fostering deeper engagement with advocacy and truth-telling.
Running in parallel with the South Australian Museum’s 50 Years of Deadly: Moments and Movements exhibition, the hospital display forms part of a broader celebration of NAIDOC Week across South Australia. Spanning both venues, the exhibitions honour 50 years of NAIDOC posters and the stories of culture, strength, advocacy and resilience they represent, creating opportunities for learning, reflection and connection within the hospital and the wider community.
Partnering for lasting impact
By working alongside the Aboriginal Health Division of WCHN, we are proud to help create spaces that recognise and honour these stories. It’s a reflection of our belief that when we partner authentically with the community, we can make a genuine and lasting difference for the families in our care.
We warmly invite patients, families, staff and visitors to experience the exhibition and take a moment to reflect on 50 years of Deadly.
