Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday takes place every year on the first Sunday in July and marks the start of National NAIDOC week (7-14 July).

This day provides an opportunity for Catholic communities to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It encourages faith communities to reflect on the contributions and resilience of Indigenous communities and to pray for their continued wellbeing and prosperity. The day highlights the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives and voices within the Church’s life and mission.

What’s on in NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate the contributions made by First Nations peoples and to listen and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Liturgical Celebrations
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria invites you to two important liturgical celebrations:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday Mass

When: Sunday, 7 July at 11.00 am
Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne

NAIDOC Week Mass

When: Sunday, 14 July at 11.00 am
Where: St Francis Church, Melbourne
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Beruk Exhibition at State Library Victoria
To the colonial world he was William Barak, to his people he is Beruk. This exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Beruk, an Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artist and the last Ngurungaeta, activist, leader and trailblazer for generations to come. Honouring his cultural legacy, the Beruk Exhibition explores objects, paintings and portraits of Beruk and other residents of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve.

When: until 22 July 2024
Where: State Library Victoria – South Rotunda, The Gateway
Cost: Free
Bookings: No bookings required
Visit: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/beruk
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Make a mini bunjil
As part of NAIDOC 2024 and the school holidays, join Jasmine-Skye in this free workshop to make a beautiful, small eagle to represent Bunjil.

When: Tuesday 9 July 2024 from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Where: Level 3, Birrarung Building, Fed Square
Cost: Free event but bookings are essential via Trybooking.
Visit: https://kht.org.au/whats-on/events/9854-2/
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Blak, Loud and Proud: First Nations Classics 2024
Hear from acclaimed writers, Larissa Behrendt, Fiona Foley, Claire G. Coleman and Dylan Coleman, with host Tony Birch and a special performance by Tamala Shelton, as they celebrate the sharing of First Nations storytelling through the generations.

When: Thursday, 11 July 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm
Where: The Wheeler Centre,176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Cost: Full $29, Concession $20
Visit: https://www.wheelercentre.com/events/blak-loud-and-proud-first-nations-classics-2024/#ticket
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NAIDOC Week Celebration 2024 at NGV Australia
Spend a day out celebrating NAIDOC Week at NGV Australia with a free day of music, tours, film screenings, art and workshops for all ages. Explore First Nations art and design in the groundbreaking exhibitions, My Country and Wurrdha Marra.

When: Saturday, 13 July 2024 from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Where: The Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, Fed Square
Cost: Free entry
Visit: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/naidoc-week-celebration/
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Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) NAIDOC Market
Over 25 stalls showcasing First Peoples cultural objects, craft, design, fashion, jewellery, gifts and more.

When: Friday, 12 July from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm and Saturday, 13 July from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
Where: Main Square, Fed Square
Cost: Free admission
Visit: https://kht.org.au/whats-on/events/naidoc-2024first-peoples-naidoc-market/
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NAIDOC Week Celebration at Melbourne Recital Centre
3MBS Melbourne (103.5FM) presents a concert of works composed and curated by Noongar man, Aaron Wyatt featuring the heartwarming, Djerin, Concerto for Solo Viola and String Orchestra, to the heartbreaking, The Aboriginal Problem.

When: Sunday, 14 July at 2.00 pm
Where: Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street, Southbank
Cost: $25-$40
Visit: https://3mbs.org.au/naidocweekcelebration
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Celebrate NAIDOC Week with the City of Boroondara
Special events organised by the City of Boroondara to celebrate NAIDOC Week include a Boomerang Workshop and Exhibition, Talk by Uncle Glenn Loughrey, Storytime with Rebecca from Wurundjeri Council and Walk at Maranoa Botanic Gardens. There is a recommended reading list of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers prepared by Boroondara Library Service staff.

Visit https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/your-council/news-and-media/boroondara-news/celebrate-naidoc-week-july
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Source: NAIDOC website and City of Boroondara website
Image:  National Gallery Victoria website

Published: 5 July 2024