Keep the fire burning

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and pay respect to Elders and leaders past and present. Melbourne Quarter is located on Wurundjeri Country.

Each year during the first week of July, national NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia. This year, NAIDOC Week runs from the 7th until the 14th of July. NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the oldest continuing cultures on earth: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s an opportunity to connect with and give recognition to the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the important role they play in Australia’s story.

Exciting activities happen during NAIDOC Week, including the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony, which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, and the NAIDOC Week Poster Competition, featuring work from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 13 years and up. Each year, a theme is chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee to represent and recognise important issues relevant to the time. The theme for NAIDOC Week in 2024 is "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud".

This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians, and you are encouraged to show your support this NAIDOC Week and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities by attending activities and events near you.

For more information about national NAIDOC Week, the 2024 theme, and for additional ideas on how to celebrate the week, check out the NAIDOC website. Here you can also read about the inspiration behind this year’s National NAIDOC Week winning poster by Deborah (Deb) Belyea, titled ‘Urapun Muy’ meaning ‘One Fire”.

To see a map of the language, tribal or nation groups of First Nations Peoples, visit the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia.