Celebrated annually on the first week of July, NAIDOC Week is a chance to spotlight the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It's a time of truth-telling, of joy, of reflection and, in line with the NAIDOC Week theme for 2023, a week to honour the elders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For Our Elders means not only do we pay homage to community leaders and elders for their strength and activism, but for upholding tradition, nurturing younger generations and continuing to share their knowledge and stories.
This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. Co-chair Stephen Satour says, “’Blak, Loud, and Proud’ encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world."
In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need action. And we need change. This year's NAIDOC Week takes place from 7–14 July 2024, with events across the entire week. Below, we round up a non-exhaustive event list of things to do week-long across the country.
NSW
Live Projections: On 11 July, in celebration of NAIDOC Week, Arts-Matter and Curatorial+Co. present an evening with First Nations artists - painter Tiana Herczerg and multi-disciplinary musician Rowan Savage. Tiarna will be creating a series of drawings that will be projected onto the gallery wall, while Rowan live scores her work.
VIC
Pijirrdi Warlalja: Strong Families: Painting our Families Dreamings over Generations (Pijirrdi Warlalja: Yirrani karnalu nganyimpa walaljapatu kurlangu Jukurrpa nyurruwarnu) highlights some of the standout painters from Warlukurlangu, including 2023 NATSIAA General Painting category award winner Julie Nangala Robertson. You can find the artworks at Flinders Lane Gallery until the 13th of July.
Film Screening: The Last Daughter: On 13 July, you can watch the First Nations film 'The Last Daughter' at Kyneton Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison Street Kyneton.
QLD
NPA Cultural Festival: Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council is proud to host the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival –– a free event for community and visitors, to be held 11-13 July. The festival will be celebrated around Cape York’s five unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Northern Peninsula Area – Seisia, New Mapoon, Bamaga, Umagico and Injinoo – with dance, music, culture, comedy and guest acts Mitch Tambo and Sean Choolburra performing at Yusia Ginau Oval in Bamaga.
Norton Fredericks x Three Little Birds: On 13 July, Join Norton and chef Chris Jordan (Three Little Birds, Brisbane) for an exceptional experience that blends creativity with native cuisine. Begin with a two-hour botanical dyeing workshop, then enjoy a native food masterclass followed by a sumptuous lunch. The experience will start at $165 per session.
Brisbane NAIDOC Ball: Taking place on 27 June, Brisbane NAIDOC Ball is a night celebrating culture and acknowledging Brisbane Black excellence.
ACT
Dig Deeper: At the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia / National Gallery of Australia, Dig Deeper is presented as part of NAIDOC Week 2024 and Art Meets Film, a free program of film screenings inspired by the National Gallery collection. The screening will show on 6 July.
The Australian Dream:When AFL star and Australian of the Year Adam Goodes called out the racism he experienced on and off the field, it became a lightning rod for the national conversation about racism and culture in Australia. Written by prominent journalist and author and Wiradjuri man Stan Grant, and developed in close consultation with Goodes, The Australian Dream offers a powerful portrait of a champion forced to confront the ugliness of racism and his desire to see a better Australia. The documentary will run on 11 July.
WA
Brothers Wreck: Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company presents the Western Australian Premiere of Brothers Wreck, written by Jada Alberts, examining the struggle between forgiveness and sorrow at the Subiaco Arts Centre from 5 to 20 July.
Galup VR Experience: On 7-10 July, Galup VR Experience fuses virtual reality technology with oral history and storytelling to highlight the origins of ongoing injustices in Australia and to bring people together for connection and healing.
SA
'kapi wala' Exhibition: At The Gallery at St Peters, a group exhibition of paintings and ceramics, celebrating the artists of Iwiri Arts and KU Arts will exhibit. Opening night Friday 21 June 6-8pm until 7 of July. All are welcome.
Naidoc Community Celebration: This free community event is held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
TAS
Naidoc Community Celebration: This free community event is held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
