NAIDOC week is a celebration of the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It has its origins in Aboriginal protest and activism. It can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The 2024 theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, honours the unyielding spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It invites us all to walk together in solidarity and amplify voices that have long been silenced.
Learn more about Aboriginal culture and history at the Sydney Barani website.
We encourage everyone to connect with NAIDOC events across our local area. You'll find them in Glebe, Woolloomooloo and Redfern.
Here are some ways to get involved.
Visit NAIDOC in the City
Our yearly event features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, dance, crafts, arts and products and services. Admission is free. See the schedule here.
Lower Town Hall
Wednesday 10 July, 11am- 4pm
The sold-out evening program is a live music concert spanning country to hip hop, lighting up the big stage in Centennial Hall with headline acts Barkaa and JK47.
Dingoes, Dreamtime Stories and fireside fun
Gather around a crackling fire to learn about conservation, cultural connections, and the significant and important role dingoes play in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. You might even meet some dingoes on the night.
Barangaroo Reserve
Monday 8 July to Sunday 13 July, 5 to 7pm
Learn about local bush foods
Join Sydney City Farm's bush food planting day. Learn about bush foods suitable for growing in the local area, their uses and pot up a plant to take home. Includes a guided walk with Koori Kinnections.
Sydney City Farm, St Peters
Saturday 13 July from 12pm to 3pm
Join an Aboriginal Dreaming tour in the Rocks
Much more than a regular tour itinerary. These daily tours are the perfect introduction to the Dreamtime cultural heritage of Sydney’s natural landscape. Take a stroll through the Rocks with guides to uncover the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ saltwater heritage in the area, their land and water use, and their spiritual connection to the adjoining waterways and foreshores. Choose from tours tailored for individuals, families or international students and learn how we all belong to Country.
The Rocks
10:30am-12:00pm
NAIDOC Week in Barangaroo
Come together for a series of free events. Connect with local Aboriginal communities, learn something new and commemorate NAIDOC Week in a meaningful way. Everyone is welcome to join and it’s free with no registration required.
Barangaroo Reserve
Sunday 7 July to Saturday 13 July
5pm to 7pm daily
All-ages fun at the National Maritime Museum
The museum will host a jam-packed day full of cultural activities for all ages, including artmaking, dance workshops with Bangarra Dance Theatre and storytelling. Explore stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and learn more about the traditional custodians of the land we live on.
Don’t miss an Indigenous dance collaboration
Experience the resilience of 2 of the world’s great Indigenous cultures in Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Horizon at the Sydney Opera house. Their energy guides the award-winning ensemble in stories that speak of their mother countries and the spirit that calls them home. ‘There is a place between the sea and the sky – a sacred realm, where the sun rises and falls, and the light is new.’
Sydney Opera House
Wednesday 3 July – Saturday 13 July
Bring the whole crew to Family Fun Day at Carriageworks
This community-run event will feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers including dancers, singer songwriters, musicians, bands. Alongside there will be an Elders tent, kids (Jarjum) activities, barbecue lunch and more. Inner City NAIDOC Family Fun Day is organised by the Eora NAIDOC Community Group.
Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Thursday 11 July, 10am-4pm
Celebrate community Elders and support local business
It’s sure to be a fun day out for everyone. Come by for live music, food trucks, and DJs. Entertainment includes a live Koori Radio broadcast, art and dance workshops, inflatable obstacle courses, oz tag and basketball. There’ll be plenty of stalls offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander merchandise and services, and an Elders lunch.
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Redfern
Friday 12 July 8am-4pm
Want more?
- Explore the city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and discover the stories that have changed the nation using the Sydney Culture Walks app.
- Find all NAIDOC week events happening around Sydney on the official NAIDOC website.
Published 2 July 2024
