This year from 7-14 July, NAIDOC Week celebrations and events take place across the country. Australians come together and immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of one of the oldest continuous living cultures. It’s a time to learn and to celebrate First Nations cultures and achievements.

NAIDOC 2024 Theme – Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

This year's NAIDOC theme is all about celebrating the strong spirit of Indigenous communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The burning fire symbolises the long-lasting strength and energy of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations. It represents the deep connection Indigenous people have to the land, each other, and their unique traditions. By honouring this fire, we can build a sense of pride and unity. This year is a chance for a renewed commitment to acknowledge, preserve and share the cultural heritage that enriches Australia.

"Blak, Loud and Proud" means standing strong and proud in your Indigenous identity. It's about claiming your stories, speaking up, and fighting for fairness and equality. Everyone is welcome to listen, learn, and join the conversation. The goal is to create a society that truly values and respects the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous Australians.

Together, we can build a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are celebrated and treasured. Weaving in the beauty of the world's oldest living culture can only improve the fabric of our nation.

NAIDOC 2024 Poster

Poster Title: Urapun Muy

Artist: Deb Belyea

“‘Urapun Muy’, from the Kalaw Kawaw Ya dialect of the Top Western Islands of the Torres Strait, means ‘One Fire’. The title of this work pays homage to Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people everywhere, as we all have that one fire: our passion for our culture.

In this work, I have depicted the hands of our ancestors that have carefully dropped a burning ember on to a fire. This ember burns hot with intensity, stoking the flames, as it combines with the new fire. The linear detail shows the energy and power as cultural knowledge is transferred from our ancestors to us today. Culture is the fire that gives us knowledge, wisdom and purpose.

It is our responsibility to maintain, practice, and pass on our fire to our future generations.

Afterall, Culture keeps us Blak, Loud and Proud.”

NAIDOC Week Poster 2024 - Keep the fire burning! blak, loud and proud.

History of NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC standing for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, dates back to the 1920’s when an Aboriginal Rights Group boycotted Australia Day to protest against the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

By 1938, despite gaining significant traction, the fight for equality continued. On Australia Day, the Aboriginal Rights Group marched through the streets of Sydney, followed by a congress attended by over a thousand people. It was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world and was known as ‘The Day of Mourning’.
After this event, it was decided that ‘The Day of Mourning’ would occur annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was renamed as ‘Aborigines Day’. This was the case for almost 20 years until it was shifted to the first Sunday in July and was agreed that it should not just be a day to protest but rather a day to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements.
In 1956 the ‘National Aborigines Day Observance Committee’ (NADOC) was formed to make key decisions about the day’s events on behalf of all First Nations people. At the same time, the second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for Aboriginal people and their heritage.
In 1974, the NADOC committee was composed entirely of Aboriginal members for the first time. The following year, it was decided that the event should cover a week, from the first to second Sunday in July.
17 years later, and with growing awareness of the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, NADOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Island people and culture. The committee and thereafter the week then became known as NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee).

Get Involved.

Attend events

Throughout NAIDOC Week, there's a range of interactive, educational, and thought-provoking events and activities happening across the country. You can find out more about the events in your local area by visiting the NAIDOC Week website.

Wear the art

Be sure to order your NAIDOC Week merchandise online through Yarn or Life Apparel. They offer a range of clothing and accessories featuring designs by talented Indigenous artists. By shopping with Yarn and Life Apparel, you're directly supporting Indigenous businesses and artists, helping them share their stories and culture with the wider community.

Start the conversation.

NAIDOC Week is a powerful opportunity to spark conversations with peers, family, colleagues, and your wider community. Discuss and reflect on the significance of NAIDOC Week, the importance of understanding and preserving our rich shared history and culture and explore ways we can all be allies and contribute to a more inclusive future.

No matter how you choose to participate, NAIDOC Week is a chance to show your support and learn more about Australia's rich Indigenous heritage.

Beyond NAIDOC Week

There are plenty of ways to educate and stay connected to Indigenous culture and traditions throughout the year.

Learn more about how to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country. This is a great way to show respect to the Traditional Owners of the land.
Get creative in the kitchen using Australian bushfood and native ingredients, such as kangaroo, macadamia or lemon myrtle. There are plenty of recipes on Wandu you can use to help get you started.
Take a look at how you can support Indigenous businesses through the Supply Nation Indigenous Business Direct.
Watch special NAIDOC Week programming on SBS/NITV and ABC.
Learn more about the Country on which you live and work using the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia.
Check out some music and podcasts from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators on Indigitube.

Workskil Australia supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

We actively support and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers every day to help them achieve their training and employment goals. We offer tailored services, with dedicated Indigenous Employment Mentors as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander exclusive pre-employment programs and training.

To find out more about our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ click below.