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                    NAIDOC Week

                    Exterior of Melbourne Town Hall with aboriginal and Torres Strait flags
                    National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia during the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

                    It’s an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Everyone can support and learn about their local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

                    Standing for National Aborigines and Islander Day Observance Committee, NAIDOC origins is a Day of Mourning protest, first held on the 26 January 1938. Since 1938, a Day of Mourning has been held annually on the Sunday prior to Australia Day. In 1955, a decision was made for the day to be shifted to the first Sunday in July and for it to also be a day of celebration. Today it has grown into a week-long celebration that highlights the strength and resilience of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  

                    Each year the City of Melbourne is proud to support activities across the week to acknowledge the contribution that Aboriginal culture, knowledge and heritage does to enrich the city’s development. All Melburnians and visitors to the city are encouraged to participate in these activities with the Aboriginal community. 

                    Important note
                    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: please be advised that the photos and videos shown on our webpages may contain images and voices of deceased persons.

                    ​Events 

                    Take time to embrace and deepen your understanding of Melbourne’s Aboriginal history during NAIDOC Week from 2 to 9 July. Read our Melbourne News story​ to find out more about our celebratory program of events: 

                    • Melbourne Zoo Community Day – Sunday 2 July 
                    • Deadly Books Giveaway – Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 July 
                    • Sounds of Country – Monday 3 July to Sunday 9 July 
                    • Yarn + Bling Makers Workshop – Friday 7 July 
                    • NAIDOC in the City – Friday 7 July 
                    • Finders Keepers Market – Friday 7 July to Sunday 9 July 

                    To get involved, visit What’s On. ​​

                    Other resources

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