Since 2023 The Deadlys have proudly put their voice out to be heard, to let people know disability doesn't stand in their way, and to invite others along for the journey.

They are a self-advocacy group of Indigenous adults with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries in Victoria, connecting with one another, organisations, their community and culture. This extends to workshops, getting out on Country, and starting a podcast.

They want to tell their story, say no to exclusion and judgement, and broaden their reach.

In 2025 they starred in and presented the documentary Being Deadly.

During NAIDOC Week in 2026, Deadly First Nations Shout Out Group, better known as 'The Deadlys', are hosting a free online screening and chance to yarn.

"We stand up and speak up for Disability and Culture," an opening frame of the documentary reads.

"The Deadlys often cannot access or are left out of traditional ways. These are in our blood."

Aunty Jane Rosengrave, Sarah Waardenburg and Madeleine Prasad.

The trio all encourage others to join in, whether that's as a member of The Deadlys, as an ally, or just for a yarn.

"We show people that we have no fear and they don't need to have fear and face demons/issues full on, collaborate and have fun. We The Deadly's can Educate everyone," Ms Prasad said.

"Lot's of First Nations people need to have their voices heard."

The Deadlys are a powerful force for education, she added.

The arts are a great way to show this far and wide.

"The work that The Deadly's do shows how far we have come; from trauma and even though we have a disability we can do so many things and people need to see how strong we are, standing tall," Ms Prasad said.

"Even being vulnerable through the film Being Deadly has been a real healing process telling our journey and story.

"I felt emotional and tears of joy that I was included in this group and documentary. Being Deadly is a statement within itself."

At the debut screening, Aunty Jane and Ms Waardenburg told National Indigenous Times there's many other First Peoples with disabilities who feel alone, but their existence comes with strength, and something to be truely proud of.

Being Deadly picked up selections at the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival.

It's a raw and emotional film.

Stories of personal challenges and suffering, experiences being forced to prove their identity and hurdles along the way meet with the system of support among the four group members.

"Making Being Deadly was fun, got me back to my roots. I loved that you could watch it and just know what we are on about," Ms Waardenburg said, strongly encouraging people to join July's screening.

"To me Country and Culture make me who I am.

"I am a voice for my Rainbow First Nations Family and want them all to know that they are welcome and can join as a member or if they are not First Nations they can join as an ally."

Aunty Jane says the Deadlys are spreading the word for new people, encouraging education about the group for everyone's benefit; including fun and interest for the members.

"Deadlys now can mentor others in this space of having a disability and being First Nations," she said.

"We want people to listen and speak for ourselves and have that voice for others to hear and stand on our own two feet.

"I felt we could tell people what we could do and what we have got through...Just because we have a disability we still count just like anyone else we are equal. We have so many strengths.

"Our voice is important so we can encourage people to say no to judgement and racism."