Published on 03 July 2024
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year. This year, NAIDOC Week will run from 7 – 14 July 2024.
You can show your support and get to know local Indigenous makers, artists and performers by joining us at our first-ever NAIDOC Week Festival in Flinders.
Don’t miss this opportunity to try native-inspired canapes, see captivating dance and yidaki meditation (didgeridoo) performances, and buy products and designs directly from our talented Indigenous community. There will also be face painting and a balloon artist for children!
NAIDOC Week Festival
Flinders Community Hub (56 Cook Street, Flinders)
Sunday 14 July, 11am – 1.30pm
Cost: free entry
The Shire will run two free return bus services on the day of the Festival. Route 1 will leave from Frankston (via Willum Warrain, Hastings) to Flinders, and return, and Route 1 will leave from Mornington (via Rosebud) to Flinders, and return.
To learn more about the Festival or to book your space on the bus service, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/naidocfest
Our Libraries will also be holding events and activities as a part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations. Find out more by visiting ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au
What is NAIDOC Week about?
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its beginnings can be traced to the rise of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which wanted to raise awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Today, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and recognise the rich history, culture and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, while ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ encourages each of us to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations to help create an Australia where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
Did you know? Mornington Peninsula Shire’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-26is currently open for community feedback until 25 July. Learn more at mornpen.vic.gov.au/rap2024-26
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Simon Brooks:
“We received incredible feedback from community members who participated in our recent Reconciliation Week activities, including a guided walk and meditation session at The Briars and an inspiring reconciliation and treaty talk at Flinders Civic Hall.
“I invite everyone on the Peninsula, whether you’re Indigenous or non-Indigenous, to come together to celebrate local First Nations makers, artists and producers at our family-friendly NAIDOC Week event on Saturday 14 July.”
