13 February 2023
National Apology Day
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the injustices of past government policies, particularly to the Stolen Generations.
16 March 2023
National Close the Gap Day
National Close the Gap Day is an annual event that raises awareness and seeks to close the gap with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, educational and employment outcomes between Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and non-Indigenous Australians.
26 May 2023
National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and share the journey towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.
27 May 2023
1967 Referendum
The 1967 Referendum was a landmark achievement following decades of activism by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people, where more than 90 percent of Australians voted in favour of amending two sections of the Australian Constitution.
27 May to 3 June 2023
National Reconciliation Week (Be a Voice for Generations)
National Reconciliation Week celebrations commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey-the anniversaries of the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo Decision.
3 June 2023
Mabo Day
One June 3 1992, the High Court of Australia overturned the principle of “terra nullius” or “nobody’s land” as claimed by the British when they first arrived in this country. The decision has paved the way for Native Title legislation.
1 – 4 July 2023
Coming of the Light Festival
The Coming of the Light is celebrated annually by Torres Strait Islander peoples. It marks the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late nineteenth century.
2 – 9 July 2023
NAIDOC Week (For Our Elders)
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
4 August 2023
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the crucial impact that community, culture and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
9 August 2023
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
On this day, people from around the world are encouraged to spread the United Nation’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples.
TBD 2023
Western Rivers Cup
The Western Rivers Cup is South West Queensland’s only Indigenous regional cricket carnival. The current Western Rivers Cup model is a joint initiative by the South West Indigenous Network and Queensland Cricket. The carnival name recognizes and celebrates the cultural significance of the river systems to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region.
7 September 2023
Indigenous Literacy Day
Indigenous Literacy Day is a national celebration of culture, stories, language and literacy. This day raises awareness of the disadvantages experienced in remote communities and advocates for more access to literacy resources.
13 September 2023
Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007.
14 September 2023
R U OK?
R U OK? Day is a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and support those struggling with life.