The FO NAIDOC 2026 Design is a celebration of Country, community, culture and the stories that continue to shape our region.

At the heart of the artwork flows the Pioneer River, one of Queensland's rare blue-water rivers and one of Mackay's most iconic natural landmarks.

For generations, the river has connected people, places and stories. It has been a source of life, movement, gathering and reflection. Just as water flows through the landscape, stories flow through generations, carrying knowledge, experiences and culture from the past into the future.

Within this design, the Pioneer River represents the lifeblood of our region.

Its flowing path connects every element of the artwork together, symbolising how our families, communities and cultures remain connected despite the different journeys we each walk.

The blue waters also reflect the unique identity of Mackay. They remind us that our connection to Country is not only found in the land beneath our feet, but also in the waterways that sustain life and bring people together.

Above the river sits the colour yellow.

The colour yellow represents strength, guidance and renewal. This acknowledges the generations that have come before us, those who walk beside us today and those who will follow in the future.

Beneath the river are the stories of the land and its people.

The rich red tone represents the strength of community, the connection to Country and the journeys that have shaped our region. Embedded throughout this landscape are symbols representing culture, family, knowledge, creativity and the many contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout generations.

The gathering places featured within the design symbolise community.

These are the places where stories are shared, knowledge is passed on, achievements are celebrated and connections are strengthened. They remind us that culture is not something that exists in isolation. It thrives when people come together.

The footprints, throughout the artwork represent life's journey.

Some paths have been walked by our Ancestors.

Some are being walked by us today.

Others are being created by the next generation who will continue to carry culture, knowledge and community forward.

The fish and water elements throughout the artwork acknowledge the abundance of life that waterways provide and the important role they continue to play in sustaining communities. They remind us of the relationship between people and the natural environment and the responsibility we all share in caring for both.

This design is ultimately a story of connection.

Connection to Country.

Connection to community.

Connection to culture.

Connection to those who came before us and those who are still to come.

For Forbidden ONYX, NAIDOC is an opportunity to celebrate these connections and recognise the strength, resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

When you wear this design, you are wearing more than a shirt.

You are wearing the story of a region.

You are wearing the story of a river.

You are wearing the story of community.

You are wearing the story of culture.

And just like the Pioneer River itself, that story continues to flow.

Wear Your Story.