From Elders to the next generation: The story of Stride’s 2026 NAIDOC Artwork

Each year, Stride proudly marks NAIDOC Week by commissioning a unique artwork competition from a First Nations artist, which is featured on a commemorative shirt worn by our teams across Australia.

More than a uniform, the shirt is a visual expression of our commitment to recognising and celebrating the cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for our teams to stand together in support of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations while proudly wearing a meaningful piece of contemporary Aboriginal art.

This year’s artwork was created by LaToya Kennedy, owner and artist behind Kalari Art, a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated small business. LaToya is a proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri woman whose connections extend across Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal and Dharawal Countries.

Born on Wiradjuri Country in Cowra, raised on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra and now living on Dharawal Country in Wollongong, LaToya’s work is deeply inspired by her connection to Country, community and culture. Through symbolic representation, she tells stories that honour the landscapes around her in the region she calls home, the traditions passed down through generations, and the enduring legacy of her ancestors.

Her artwork reflects the strong relationships Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Country and celebrates the continuation of culture through storytelling, connection and shared responsibility.

Inspired by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “50 years of Deadly” the artwork tells a powerful story of continuity: an unbroken connection between Elders, community and Country.

At the centre of the design is a large meeting place representing the next generation. From this central gathering place, pathways connect to smaller meeting places symbolising Elders from many walks of life. Together, they reflect the sharing of knowledge, cultural pride and the collective responsibility of nurturing future generations.

Throughout the artwork, traditional Aboriginal symbols add further meaning. People symbols represent parents and carers, children, and the LGBTQIA+ community, recognising the diversity and strength of our communities. Handprints, footprints, animal tracks and waterholes symbolise people, culture and Country, while representing the ongoing journey of keeping song, dance and cultural traditions alive through an enduring connection to ancestors and the Dreaming.

Together, these elements celebrate the deep and continuing relationships Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Country, while honouring the legacy of those who came before and the generations who will continue to shape the future.

At Stride, we recognise that NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the oldest continuing culture in the world. Wearing this year’s shirt is one small but meaningful way our people acknowledge the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and show their support for this year’s celebrations.

We thank LaToya for sharing her story, culture and creativity through this beautiful artwork, and for helping us celebrate the strength, vision and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.