Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2024: Events Across Australia

NAIDOC Week is a cherished annual event celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, NAIDOC Week runs from July 7th to July 14th, under the inspiring theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.” This theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations cultures. Here’s a look at some of the exciting NAIDOC Week events happening across Australia.

New South Wales

Indigenous Round – Lake Macquarie (Awabakal) – July 5-7

Football NSW celebrates First Nations culture with competitions and the annual NAIDOC Cup, promoting Indigenous representation in sports.

Accessibility: Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.

Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day – Wyong (Darkinjung) – July 9

Wyong Race Club hosts a Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day with rides, stalls, workshops, and entertainment, organised by Nunyara Aboriginal Health and the Central Coast Local Health District.

Accessibility: It is unknown whether Wyong Race Club is accessible, check with the club beforehand.

NAIDOC in the City – Gadigal (Sydney) – July 10

Sydney’s Lower Town Hall transforms into a hub of cultural celebration with food, song, art, and dance with NAIDOC in the City. The day features Gadigal Markets and an evening program with live performances.

Accessibility: Sydney Town Hall is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.

Inner City NAIDOC Family Fun Day – Gadigal (Eveleigh) – July 11

Carriageworks in Eveleigh hosts a day filled with performances, market stalls, and Jarjum activities. This event, organised by the Eora NAIDOC Community Group, offers a rich blend of celebration and commemoration.

Accessibility: Carriageworks is generally accessible, with wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.

NAIDOC March & Family Fun Day – Kamilaroi (Tamworth) – July 12

Join the community march through Tamworth, concluding with a Family Fun Day at Bicentennial Park, featuring market stalls, food, and live performances.

Accessibility: Bicentennial Park has accessible paths, restrooms and parking access available.

Bush Food Planting Day – Gadigal (St Peters) – July 13

Sydney City Farm offers guided tours and hands-on bush food planting activities, providing insights into Aboriginal cultural connections to the landscape.

Accessibility: The farm aims to be accessible, but it’s best to contact them directly for specific details.

Mogo Big Day Out – Yuin (Mogo) – July 13

Mogo Big Day Out is a family-friendly event featuring a variety of activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in the scenic town of Mogo.

Accessibility: It is unknown whether Mogo Oval is accessible, your best bet is to reach out to the Eurobodalla Council.

National Indigenous Art Fair – Gadigal (Sydney) – June 29-30

Although before the official start of NAIDOC Week, this National Indigenous Art Fair at Circular Quay supports First Nations artists through a marketplace of art, textiles, and bush food experiences.

Accessibility: The venue is accessible with ramps and accessible restrooms.

Victoria

Uncle Greg Muir: A Retrospective – Naarm (Melbourne) – July 3-8

Explore over fifty years of artwork by Yorta Yorta artist Uncle Greg Muir at the No Vacancy Gallery, with themes of Aboriginality and Disability.

Accessibility: The No Vacancy gallery has accessible restrooms, parking, public transport, wide doorways and adjustable lighting.

Mullum Mullum Community Blak Arts – Naarm (Melbourne) – July 3-Sept 1

The Mullum Mullum Community Blak Arts exhibition at Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery showcases traditional and contemporary art by the Mullum Mullum Community, with an opening event featuring performances and poetry.

Accessibility: The Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.

Family Day at the Farm – Wurundjeri (Collingwood) – July 5

Collingwood Children’s Farm hosts a fun-filled day with crafts, music, dance, an art show, and more, organised by Aboriginal Housing Victoria.

Accessibility: The farm aims to be as accessible as possible with some wooden boardwalks, however, it is best to contact them directly to clarify.

Electric Fields + Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Naarm (Melbourne) – July 8

Experience an extraordinary performance at Hamer Hall featuring the electronic duo Electric Fields with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, blending pop, soul, and traditional languages.

Accessibility: Hamer Hall is fully accessible with wheelchair seating and restrooms.

For Our Elders: Aunty Marlene Gilson in Conversation – Wadawurrung (Ballarat) – July 8

Join Aunty Marlene Gilson at the Eureka Centre for a discussion on her art and cultural knowledge, alongside an unveiling of her latest painting.

Accessibility: The Eureka Centre is fitted with ramps and accessible restrooms. There are 3 accessible parking spots near the main entrance and wheelchairs are available upon request.

NAIDOC Running Festival – Naarm (Melbourne) – July 9

Participate in races of various lengths in Wyndham Vale at the NAIDOC Running Festival, complemented by cultural activities, market stalls, and a free lunch.

Accessibility: It is unknown whether this event is accessible, be sure to check with the event organisers.

Queensland

Brisbane NAIDOC Ball – Meanjin (Brisbane) – July 8

Brisbane City Hall hosts a night of celebration, awards, and entertainment, highlighting Black Excellence in South-East Queensland at the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball.

Accessibility: Brisbane City Hall is accessible with ramps and restrooms.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair – Gimuy (Cairns) – July 13-16

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair showcases Indigenous artwork, fashion, live music, and workshops, promoting cultural exchange and economic opportunity.

Accessibility: The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.

Aboriginal Culture Show – Gold Coast – Ongoing

Experience traditional songs, stories, and dance by the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dance Group at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Accessibility: The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible with ramps and restrooms.

Tasmania

NAIDOC Week Film Showcase – Lutruwita (Tasmania-wide) – July 2-7

Reconciliation Tasmania screens the film “Ablaze” in regional towns, exploring the story of Yorta Yorta man Tiriki Onus and his grandfather.

Accessibility: Each location may have different accessibility standards. Check with the specific venue.

At What Cost? – Nipaluna (Hobart) – July 6-8

Watch the play At What Cost by Pakana playwright Nathan Maynard at the Theatre Royal, exploring themes of history, culture, and identity.

Accessibility: The Theatre Royal has accessible seating, restrooms, lift access, assisted hearing services, service animals are welcome and accessible drop off point.

Kipli Takara Tour – Piyura Kitina (Risdon Cove) – Ongoing

Join a Kipli Takara Tour bush foods walk at Risdon Cove, learning about traditional native plants and their uses, followed by a catered lunch.

Accessibility: The tour may have natural terrain challenges. Contact palawa kipli for specific accessibility queries.

Western Australia

Unearthing Stories in Art – Joondalup – July 4

Guest curator Zali Morgan delves into the NAIDOC Unearthing Stories of Art Exhibition at the City of Joondalup Library, sharing insights from her Noongar heritage.

Accessibility: The Joondalup Library is wheelchair accessible, has hearing loop, accessible restrooms, lift access with braille and accessible parking.

Mookaroo Festival – Boorloo (Perth) – July 7

Celebrate at Merriwa’s Mookaroo Festival with food stalls, performances, storytelling, and children’s activities.

Accessibility: It is unclear whether True North is accessible, check with event organisers for more information.

Walk and Yarn – Joondalup – July 7, 15, 22

Join Justin Martin from Djurandi Dreaming for a guided walk and yarn around Lake Joondalup, learning about Noongar seasons and Dreamtime stories.

Accessibility: It is unclear whether this event is accessible, check with Djurandi Dreaming for accessibility options.

NAIDOC Week Makuru Message Stick Workshop – Boorloo (Perth) – July 11

Noelene shares her stories, cultures and country through art at the City of Vincent Library, while participants create their own Makuru Message Stick.

Accessibility: The City of Vincent Library is wheelchair accessible, has hearing loop, accessible restrooms and accessible parking.

Kullarri NAIDOC Festival – Rubibi (Broome) – June 23 – July 9

Broome’s Kullarri NAIDOC festival features a Reconciliation Walk, NAIDOC Football Match, music nights, and awards, celebrating NAIDOC Week with the community.

Accessibility: With several events on, it is best to check with the event organisers.

South Australia

Author Talk: First Nations Food Companion – Tarndanya (Adelaide) – July 6

Authors Rebecca Sullivan and Damien Coulthard discuss their award-winning book and share recipes using native ingredients.

Accessibility: Burnside Library is wheelchair accessible and has accessible restrooms, parking, ramps and elevators.

Yothu Yindi – Tarndanya (Adelaide) – July 7

Dance to the beats of Yolŋu rock band Yothu Yindi at Hindley Street Music Hall, part of Illuminate Adelaide’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Accessibility: Hindley Street Music Hall is wheelchair accessible, with accessible seating options and restrooms. They welcome assistance dogs and offer quiet spaces.

Aboriginal Art Workshop – Tarndanya (Adelaide) – July 8

Artist David Booth leads workshops on Indigenous art techniques, allowing participants to create and take home their own artwork.

Accessibility: Ngutungka West Lakes is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.

Northern Territory

Deadly Cup Carnival – Gulumerrdgen (Darwin) – July 2

Deadly Cup Carnival is a family-friendly Rugby League carnival at TRL Stadium, celebrating culture and community with performances, activities, and cooking demos.

Accessibility: There is not enough public information to tell whether this stadium is accessible, please reach out to NRL NT to clarify.

NAIDOC March – Tennant Creek – July 3

Join the community march starting at Northern Land Council, ending at Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre with awards and refreshments.

Accessibility: Public marches may have accessibility challenges. Confirm with the organisers for specific provisions.

Alice Springs Show – Mparntwe (Alice Springs) – July 7-8

Celebrate NAIDOC Week at the Alice Spring Show, the largest community event in Alice Springs, featuring competitions, local produce, rides, and games.

Accessibility: Accessible parking available and service dogs permitted. The park grounds might be uneven in spots and it is uncertain whether restrooms are accessible, contact event organisers to find out more information.

Australian Capital Territory

NAIDOC Ball – Ngunnawal (Canberra) – July 1

National Convention Centre Canberra hosts a formal ball and awards night celebrating Indigenous Australians’ achievements and contributions.

Accessibility: The National Convention Centre is a fully accessible venue. All event rooms accommodating wheelchairs accessibility with ramps, lifts, accessible restrooms, as well as hearing loops in the theatres, level one gallery room and ballroom.

First Nations Experience of Democracy Tour – Ngunnawal (Canberra) – July 2-9

Explore the Museum of Australian Democracy with a tour highlighting First Nations Australians’ experiences within the democratic system.

Accessibility: The Museum has automatic or easy open doors, lift access to all levels, wide aisles and walkways, wheelchair hire available, audio and braille signage, captioning services, companion card acceptance and assisted front entrance entry.

NAIDOC Week Last Post Ceremony – Ngunnawal (Canberra) – July 5

The Australian War Memorial honours Private Edward Mussing, focusing on the intertwined histories of Australia’s war and Indigenous heritage.

Accessibility: Accessible parking, pick up and drop off point, lift access between memorial galleries, assistance animals welcome, seating available on request, accessible restrooms at the Memorial entrance, Auslan tour available and wheelchairs available to hire.

This NAIDOC Week, immerse yourself in the diverse range of events and activities happening across Australia. Celebrate the oldest continuous living cultures on earth, learn about First Nations histories, and participate in a week of vibrant cultural festivities.

General Tips for Accessibility

• Contact Organisers: Always reach out to event organisers well in advance to query specific accessibility needs.
• Check Venue Websites: Many venues list their accessibility features online.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the venue and find accessible facilities.
• Bring a Companion: If possible, attending with someone can help navigate unexpected challenges.