A MILESTONE NAIDOC exhibition, Fifty Years of Deadly, has opened at the Redlands Coast Museum offering visitors a powerful and deeply moving journey through five decades of First Nations resilience, activism and cultural strength.
Curated by COOEE Program Manager Margie Kennedy, the exhibition serves as a visual truth-telling that honours Elders, amplifies youth voices and celebrates the legacy that continues to shape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Running until September 30, the exhibition forms a central part of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, which marks more than half a century since an Indigenous-led NAIDOC committee was established.
The theme reflects NAIDOC’s evolution from early protest movements of the 1920s into a national celebration of culture, achievement and advocacy.
At Redlands Coast Museum, Ms Kennedy’s curation brings this history to life through striking imagery, cultural artefacts and personal stories that illuminate both the struggles and triumphs of First Nations peoples.
The exhibition highlights the strength and wisdom of Elders while showcasing the creativity and determination of younger generations who continue to carry the NAIDOC legacy forward.
It coincides with broader NAIDOC celebrations across Redlands Coast.
The launch event featured First Nations performers, cultural demonstrations, weaving workshops, storytelling and children’s activities, further reinforcing the region’s commitment to cultural visibility and community connection.
Visitors can explore the exhibition alongside other ongoing displays and family-friendly activities with accessible facilities and updated opening hours available through the museum’s visitor information services.
Fifty Years of Deadly stands as both a celebration and a call to action, inviting audiences to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and support a future shaped by truth, empowerment and cultural pride.
