NAIDOC Events 2022

NAIDOC Perth NAIDOC opening ceremony in Perth. Courtesy of NAIDOC Perth, 2022.

NAIDOC Week is Australia’s biggest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It is a time for all Australians, not just First Nations people, to gather together and acknowledge this incredible ancient culture, and the land that we live on. This NAIDOC is all about action. The theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ calls for systemic change including seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protection, constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling and continuing to work towards treaties. This NAIDOC, get involved and be a part of creating real change that brings us together as a nation.

All around Australia from July 3-10 celebrations and events of all kinds will be taking place. To help you out we've compiled a list of key events happening in each state, however do check the NAIDOC events page to find out what events and gatherings are taking place near you. 

Queensland

Tour: Art & This Place - July 3 

art tourArt & This Place. Courtesy of National Reconciliation Australia, 2022.

Taking place at QAGOMA this tour offers you the opportunity to engage in First Nations artworks and the stories they tell. You’ll hear from Indigenous storytellers and creatives as they highlight artworks from GOMA’s Indigenous Australian Art Collection, and explore complex stories of history, culture and place. This year learn about the works of Judy Watson, Doreen Reid Nakamarra, Ryan Presley and Vernon Ah Kee. The tour is facilitated by emerging Meanjin based artist and curator of Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri descent, Sam Harrison (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022) . Learn more and book here. 

Cairns NAIDOC Breakfast - July 4

If you live in Cairns join the local community for a NAIDOC Week breakfast in the Grand Ballroom at Pullman International. The morning will focus on action and advocacy, featuring two speakers including local organisation DIYDG (Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good) (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). Learn more here. 

New South Wales 

National Indigenous Art Fair - July 2 - 3

National Indigenous Art Fair Stallholders. Courtesy of National Indigenous Art Fair, 2022.

The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) will return this year to the Sydney Harbour foreshore to showcase creations by First Nations artists, designers and makers from around the nation. This ethical marketplace offers a unique opportunity to buy artwork directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from remote arts centres from the NT, SA and WA. In line with this year's theme the program will be highlighting environmental, cultural and constitutional change. There will be live music, dance performances, weaving circles and more than 25 stallholders from around NSW selling art, jewellery, gifts, homewares and bush food (NIAF, 2022). Learn more here.

Bridge Housing NAIDOC Art Exhibition - June 29 - July 11

Taking place at 107 Projects in Redfern, this art exhibition offers Bridge Housing's amazing tenants the opportunity to share and sell their beautiful art. The exhibition will include paintings, sculptures, jewellery and merchandise. The event is curated by 2022 Archibald winner Blak Douglas (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). You’ll have the opportunity to meet him on opening night! Learn more here.

Victoria

NAIDOC Ball - July 2

For Geelong locals the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will be hosting their annual NAIDOC ball at the award-winning Mt Duneed Estate. This event celebrates the achievements of the local Aboriginal community and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. The night includes a delicious three course meal, live music and the annual Belle, Beau, Matron and Patron awards (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). Learn more and book here.

NAIDOC Week Arts Market - July 2

Lucy Webster paintingLucy Webster painting. Courtesy of Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022.

Melton Library and Learning Hub will be running a NAIDOC Week arts marketm curated by Kamilaroi woman and local artist Lucy Webster. This family-friendly afternoon will include handmade arts and crafts by local Elders, a free BBQ, kids art workshops, traditional games and a yarning circle. Everyone is welcome to join the yarning circle which will be focused on Dreaming Stories found in Lucy’s exhibition ‘Winanga Burruguu’. In a yarning circle dialogue is centred on finding ways to grow mutual understanding and respect of shared issues (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). You can learn more here.

South Australia

Indigenous Weaving Workshop - July 3

NAIDOC weaving workshopWeaving Workshop. Courtesy of Gallery One, 2022.

Held at the Campbelltown ArtHouse in Adelaide, this workshop offers the opportunity to learn weaving techniques under the guidance of local Kaurna woman, Elaine Magias. She has been hosting cultural weaving workshops for 5 years, teaching participants how to make baskets, mats, earring and pendants. She is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where people can come together to weave, and feel comfortable asking questions about art and cultural practices (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). You can learn more and book here.

Western Australia

Virtual Reality Altspace NAIDOC Week - June 27

This is a one of a kind virtual reality event celebrating NAIDOC Week and East Pilbara Indigenous culture. The event by Altspace VR will engage the local and international community, showcasing Indigenous Culture and the achievements of the Marble Bar local community. There will be appearances by Wangka Maya, Marble Bar Primary School and local community Elders (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). Learn more and RSVP here.

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Workshop - July 5

Held at the Fraser Suites in East Perth, this engaging full day workshop helps participants gain awareness of Aboriginal culture, values and belief systems. The workshop will also discuss the impacts of colonisation and these still play out today, and explore how we can improve communities and workplaces for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the future. The workshop is facilitated by Mr Danny Ford, a Noongar man and traditional custodian of Whadjuk Country (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). Learn more and book here. 

Northern Territory

Deadly Cup Carnival - July 3

The Deadly Cup. Courtesy of Northern Territory, 2022.

Held at the TRL Stadium in Darwin this NAIDOC sports carnival celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture. It promotes health and well-being, and showcases rugby league talent from across the Northern Territory. The carnival will feature Indigenous All stars teams in a number of teen and adult categories. Cultural performances, kids activities, booking demonstrations and a health expo will also be featured (Celebrating NAIDOC Week, 2022). Learn more here.