6 Activities During NAIDOC Week 2024

So, what is NAIDOC week?

NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, the name of the committee that organised the first NAIDOC events.

Now it’s a national commemoration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements, with opportunities for all Australians to get involved.

Unlike Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration and recognition, rather than apology and redress. It’s a fantastic opportunity for non-mob to learn more about Indigenous people and honour the oldest living culture on earth.

This year's poster 'Urapun Muy' is by Deb Belyea. From the Kalaw Kawaw Ya dialect of the Torres Strait, the title means ‘One Fire.' The work refers to the one fire of culture burning in all First Nations peoples.

Here are just six activities, exhibitions and events around Naarm that Thorne Harbour Health is looking forward to.

NAIDOC Activities

Show your support for Indigenous people this NAIDOC week by attending one of these events.

VIC NAIDOC Pride Gala

For all Rainbow Mob, this event run by the Koorie LGBTIQA+ community celebrates queer blak excellence.

The Gala is a fantastic opportunity for mob to express their identity in a safe space, with tickets including dinner, performance, and installation art. Buy tickets from Vic NAIDOC.

VAHS NAIDOC March

Aboriginal health service, VAHS, organises an annual march from Nicholson Street in Fitzroy all the way to Parliament House.

Join them on Friday 12 July for a celebratory march with face painting, market stalls and information about important locations as you walk. Get the details here.

VACCHO Street Party

VACCHO is Victoria’s peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Thorne Harbour works closely with VACCHO, and strengthening our relationship is part of our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Their Street Party is one of the week’s highlights. Head to Collingwood on Thursday 11 July for traditional music, food tastings (think emu and kangaroo!), a market, and much more.

NAIDOC Exhibitions

Attending one of these exhibitions by Aboriginal artists is a fantastic way to celebrate the work and achievements of Indigenous people.

Moombarra at Craft Victoria

In the Wadawurrung language, moombara translates to ‘stick it up your arse!’ This exhibition of crafted objects curated by Kait James uses Blak humour to explore issues like colonialism and cultural appropriation.

Find out more about the exhibition on the Craft Victoria website.

These Arms Hold at Incinerator Gallery

This exhibition shines a light on Aboriginal women and their long history as resistance fighters. Curated by Maya Hodge, These Arms Hold brings four female Aboriginal artists together to create a collaborative installation.

Get the details including the location here.

Muru-ba at the Victorian Pride Centre

This photography exhibition from Joseph Mayers showcases the faces and stories of LGBTIQA+ First Nations Elders and celebrates their contributions to community movements.

The exhibition even features a portrait of Thorne Harbour Health’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project Lead, Peter Waples-Crowe.

Other Options for Participation

If you don’t live in Melbourne, or didn’t see something here that suits you, VACCHO has put together an almost exhaustive list of all the NAIDOC events in Victoria. Head here to check it out.

Let’s keep the fire burning this NAIDOC week by getting involved and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.