NAIDOC Week 2023

By Allan Hogan, Editor, Bulletin 5/2033, July

NAIDOC Week in Sydney runs from 2 to 9 July.  It’s a celebration of the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The City of Sydney’s annual event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will take place from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday 8 July in Hyde Park north.

In 1956 major Aboriginal organisations, state and federal governments, all supported the formation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC). At the same time, the second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for Aboriginal people and their heritage.

In 1991 with a growing awareness of the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NADOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and culture. The committee then became known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC). This new name has become the title for the whole week, not just the day.

Visit the National Indigenous Art Fair

The showcase of contemporary First Nations artists, designers and makers returns. This year there’s also a two day festival program running alongside the event. Enjoy bush tucker cooking demonstrations, weaving and cultural workshops, live music, children’s activities and Aboriginal dance performances.  Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July, 10 am to 5 pm.

Scale the Harbour Bridge with Burrawa Climb

Celebrate Sydney’s rich Indigenous history with an unrivalled view. Climb the Harbour Bridge with a First Nations Storyteller as your guide. See Sydney from the oldest perspective with plenty of facts and stories about the Aboriginal culture, languages and history of Sydney. Bridge Climb Sydney, The Rocks, Saturday 2 July – Sunday 9 July, 9 am to 4 pm.

More detail can be found on the City of Sydney’s NAIDOC website