Woorrbadinda — Celebrating the National Apology (13 February)
Woorrbadinda is an event to celebrate the anniversary of the national apology. Woorrbadinda featured a variety of Koorie performers in 2009, including Richard Frankland and the Charcoal Club, Bart Willoughby, James Henry, Brian Morley and Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears. Visit Stolen Generations Victoria.
Harmony Day (21 March)
Harmony Day is an Australian Government initiative, administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The day is about bringing people together to celebrate Australia's community harmony, participation and cultural diversity. Harmony Day is sometimes referred to as Diversity Day. Visit Living in Harmony.
Harmony Day is an Australian Government initiative, administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The day is about bringing people together to celebrate Australia's community harmony, participation and cultural diversity. Harmony Day is sometimes referred to as Diversity Day. Visit .
Sorry Day (26 May)
Sorry Day was established following the publication of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report. This report was produced by the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, and was tabled in Federation Parliament on 26 May 1997. The report made 54 recommendations on a wide range of issues, including one which called for the establishment of a community-based National Sorry Day Committee. A range of community events are held on 26 May each year, Sorry Day, led by the National Sorry Day Committee.
Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum (27 May)
The 1967 referendum saw more than 90 per cent of eligible Australians vote ‘yes’ to two changes in the Australian Referendum — to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the national census of the population and to give the Australian Government the power to make uniform, specific laws in respect of Indigenous people (rather than individual states making their own laws). Legislation reflecting the referendum was enacted on 10 August 1967. The 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum was celebrated in 2007.
National Reconciliation Week (May/June)
Each year in May/June, National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of the first Australians. This week is an ideal time for all of us 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. For more events and further information see Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation Victoria.
Mabo Day (3 June)
On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Mabo v the State of Queensland (No. 2), a native title claim by Eddie Mabo and others on behalf of the Meriam People of Murray Island, Queensland. The High Court’s decision rejected the notion of Australia as ‘terra nullius’, meaning ‘empty land’ or ‘land belonging to nobody’, at the time of European arrival and colonisation.
The term ‘Native title’ was used to describe and recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may have existing rights and interests in the land and waters, according to traditional laws and customs that have survived beyond European arrival; and that these rights can be recognised by the common law. In the Torres Strait region, Mabo Day is recognised as a public holiday.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC originally stood for the ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, a committee that was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week. The committee’s acronym has evolved into the name of the week itself. Visit NAIDOC.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (9 August)
On 9 August 1982, the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations was held in Geneva. In 1994, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on this date every year. Visit International Day of the World's Indigenous People and Indigenous peoples of the world.
Human Rights Day (10 December)
Human Rights Day celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since its adoption in 1948, this declaration has been translated into 360 languages, showing its universal relevance and forethought for securing human rights around the world. Visit Human Rights Day.