Celebrating NAIDOC Week

A message from Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Kelly Humphrey:

Next week, 7- 14 July, is NAIDOC Week. This week is a time to recognise and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and it is a significant event for all Australians to engage with and learn from the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations communities.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024 is "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud", which emphasises the vibrancy, resilience, and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

ACU will celebrate NAIDOC Week on campus from 19 August to 23 August, when students have returned from the winter recess. We will share more details about activities happening on your campus closer to the time.

There are plenty of activities happening across our communities next week to celebrate NAIDOC Week. I encourage you to find out what is happening near you and take part. Whether it is attending a local event, participating in workshops, or supporting Indigenous businesses, there are many ways to get involved and show your support.

Here are some NAIDOC Week events happening next week:

New South Wales

• Sydney NAIDOC Week events
• Warami Mittigar Concert Blacktown

Victoria

• Melbourne NAIDOC Week events
• Ballarat NAIDOC Week events

Canberra

• Aboriginal Plant Use Walks: Celebrate NAIDOC week at the Australian National Botanic Gardens by learning about a range of important native plants.
• Jim Moginie in conversation with Catherine McGregor AM. Hear from Jim Moginie, founding member of the band Midnight Oil, about his collaborations with First Nations communities.

Brisbane

• Brisbane NAIDOC Week events

Virtual

If you are not able to attend any events in person, you might be interested in The First Nations Film Festival 2024.

ACU NAIDOC Week celebrations

We will continue NAIDOC Week celebrations at ACU in August, with further details to be shared soon. This will be a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community, engage in meaningful activities, and deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Stay tuned for further details about activities happening on your campus.

Let’s all make this NAIDOC Week a time of learning, reflection, and celebration. Happy NAIDOC week to everyone.