Cultural Days of Significance
Learn about key dates of cultural significance.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s who sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Randwick City Council is actively involved with the local community in planning and delivering NAIDOC Week activities.
NAIDOC Week is usually held in the first full week of July each year. We encourage all Australians to participate in the celebrations and activities that take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week.
For more NAIDOC Week information visit www.naidoc.org.au
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. NRW is celebrated annually on 27 May to 3 June. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National Reconciliation Week commemorates:
- 27 May marks the anniversary of the National 1967 Referendum when more than 90% of Australians voted 'yes' to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census.
- 3 June marks the anniversary of the High Court's Mabo decision of 1992 that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' unique connection with the land and abolished the myth of Terra Nullius.
Other Significant Dates
There are a number of significant dates throughout Australian History that have shaped Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. Some of these are:
1965
Freedom Ride was significant for the civil rights of Aboriginal peoples. Students from the University of Sydney formed a group; 'Student Action for Aborigines', led by Charles Perkins and Jim Spigelman. They organised a bus tour of coastal and western New South Wales towns and the purpose was three fold. The students planned to draw attention to the poor state of Aboriginal housing, health and education. Their goal was to point out the social discrimination barriers which existed and to encourage and support Aboriginal people themselves to resist discrimination.
Survival Day (26 January)
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Survival Day represents colonisation, dispossession and loss of culture. Yabun Festival is recognised as Australia's premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival showcases the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Visit www.yabun.org.au
Ochre Ribbon Week (12 February- 19 February)
The Ochre Ribbon Campaign is a community-driven initiative led by the Aboriginal Family Legal Services (AFLS) to raise awareness and take action against family and domestic violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
National Apology Anniversary (13 February)
On this day in 2008 the Hon . Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister of Australia formally apologised to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stolen Generations on behalf of the Australian Government. Visit Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples – Parliament of Australia
National Close the Gap Day (17 March)
ls a day for all Australians to join together to raise awareness and recognise the inequality of education, health and incarceration issues that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face. Visit CTG Annual Reports – CLOSE THE GAP
Harmony Day (21 March)
Living in Harmony is an Australian Government initiative designed to promote community harmony, build community relationships and address racism and discrimination. Visit www.harmony.gov.au
National Sorry Day (26 May)
Commemorated to publicly acknowledge the pain and suffering by many Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples of the 'Stolen Generations' and the effects of their removal from family and community. Visit The Healing Foundation
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day (4 August)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the crucial impact that community, culture and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child. Visit Children's Day 2025 | 4 August | SNAICC
Indigenous Literacy Day (3 September)
Indigenous Literacy Day is a national celebration of culture, stories, language and literacy. This day raises awareness of the disadvantages experienced in remote communities and advocates for more access to literacy resources. Visit Indigenous Literacy Day
NSW Aboriginal Languages Week (October 20 – October 27)
Celebrating this important week to raise awareness, spark conversations and highlight the incredible work local Communities are doing to reclaim and revitalise Language. Visit NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2025
More information
For further information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, please contact the Community Development Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs at akeisha.kelly@randwick.nsw.gov.au.