Important Dates & Events
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, like other community groups, have a range of formal and informal days and weeks to mark important times within their communities. Some important dates are:
26 January
Australia Day / Survival Day (Yabun Festival)
Presented by Gadigal Information Service since 2003, the Yabun Festival is a one-day festival that celebrates the ongoing survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Yabun is one of the most important arts and music events in Australia reflecting the huge wealth of creative talent in established and emerging Artists.
Website: Yabun Festival
13 February
The Apology to the Stolen Generations
On the 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered an ‘apology’ for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and Governments in Australia that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss to the Stolen Generation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia
Website: Reconciliation Australia
21 March
Harmony Day (Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day)
Each year Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity. The continuing message of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’. It's about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Website: Harmony Day
26 May
National Close the Gap Day
Close the Gap is a coalition of Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations that are campaigning to close the life expectancy and health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Website: Closethegap
25 April
ANZAC Day
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans the Coloured Digger March is held in Redfern. The City of Sydney, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, assist by supporting this event through sponsorship, grants and media coverage.
Website: Redfern Oral History
26 May
National Sorry Day
The Bringing Them Home Report recommended (Recommendation No 7.a) that a National Sorry Day be held each year on 26 May “to commemorate the history of forcible removals and its effects.” As a result of this recommendation the community-based organisation the National Sorry Day Committee was formed with affiliated groups in each State and Territory.
Website: National Sorry Day
27 May to 3 June
National Reconciliation Week
Each year National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates the rich culture and history of the First Australians. It is the ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and to think about how we can help turn around the disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Website: National Reconciliation Week
3 June
Mabo Day
On the 3 June 1992, in a historic judgement, the High Court of Australia accepted the claim from Eddie Mabo and other claimants that their people had occupied the island of Mer (Torres Strait) for hundreds of years before the arrival of the British. The decision overturned a legal fiction that Australia was Terra Nullius (a land belonging to no-one) at the time of colonisation.
Website: Torres Strait Regional Authority
1 July
Coming of the Light Festival TSI
The Coming of the Light festival marks the day when the London Missionary Society first arrived in Torres Strait on 1 July 1871, introducing Christianity to the region. It is a significant day for Torres Strait Islanders communities across the Torres Strait and mainland Australia.
Website: Torres Strait Regional Authority
2nd Friday in July
National Aboriginal & Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC)
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Website: NAIDOC Week
4 August
National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day (NAICD)
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) organise this day each year, to raise awareness of the significance of providing a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for Indigenous children. The aim of the day is to enhance family relationships which can lead to positive consequences for the wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of belonging and resilience of Indigenous children.
Website: National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day
10 December
Human Rights Day
December 10 is the anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations (UN) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR sets out a certain set of rights that are the basic and minimum set of human rights for all citizens. Setting aside a day to commemorate, educate and reflect on the principles that form the UDHR means celebrating the rights we exercise everyday as Australians, and acknowledging that enjoying those rights carries with it the responsibility of promoting these rights for all people.
Website: Human Rights Day
