NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week, 7 – 14 July, celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is celebrated by Australians from all walks of life.
This year's theme 'Voice. Treaty. Truth.' reflect the three key elements set out in
The Uluru Statement, which calls for constitutional change and structural reform including the establishment of a 'First Nations Voice' in the Australian Constitution.
Underpinning the movement is a call for all Australians to come together in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and
towards a better future. Support for the oldest living culture in the world (65,000 plus years old) includes acknowledging and helping to protect language as well as practices, skills and innovations across a range of contexts such as agriculture, science, technology, ecology and medicine.
"With 2019 being celebrated as the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, it's time for our knowledge to be heard through our voice." – NAIDOC, 2019
This year NAIDOC urges us, "Let's work together for a shared future."
NSW Health information for Aboriginal people
In partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, in 2011 the NSW Government committed to a 10 year
Aboriginal Health Plan to achieve health equity for Aboriginal people across NSW by working with Aboriginal people and other government agencies.
To support this commitment NSW Health and St Vincent's Alcohol and Drug Information Service have designed a series of dedicated resources that help Aboriginal people make informed choices about how to reduce the harms caused by alcohol and other drugs. You can access these resources on Your Room at
yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/for-aboriginals.
The Ministry of Health have also developed helpful resources for Aboriginal people that aim to support individuals, families and communities with making heathy lifestyle changes. The
Make Healthy Normal website contains videos, recipes and information on free NSW programs like the NSW Knockout Health Challenge and the
Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service®.
NAIDOC Week events
The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Here are a couple of events to look out for:
- 'NAIDOC in the City' is a lunchtime feast held at Hyde Park on Saturday 13 July 11am - 3pm. Check out
whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/naidoc-in-the-city for details on the ceremonies, performances and activities available on the day.
- 'NAIDOC at NCIE 2019' is held at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern on Friday 12 July 2019 from 10am-4pm. Head along to see performances, a screening of the 'Treaty Series' documentaries, touch games, 3on3 basketball, story reading in language, a free feed and heaps more!
Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. To find out about NAIDOC Week activities in your area, visit
naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events
NAIDOC Week events for health professionals
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) 'NAIDOC Week Public Seminar' on the 10 July, the HMRI is presenting a public seminar focusing on engagement and empowerment in Indigenous health and medical research. Researchers from HMRI, Dr Michelle Bovill, a Wiradjuri woman from Mudgee and Dr John Towney, a Wiradjuri man from Wellington, will discuss the work being done with communities to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
When: Wednesday 10 July, 6 – 7pm
Where: Caves Theatre, Level 4, HMRI Building, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights NSW 2305
Register at
hmri.org.au/events/naidoc-week-public-seminar
- 'Good Health - Great Jobs' 2019 Stepping Up Forum. On the 11 and 12 July, join the NSW Health Good Health - Great Jobs 2019 Stepping Up Forum at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. Hosted by Aboriginal Workforce Unit (AWU) and the Workforce Planning & Talent Development Branch in the Ministry of Health, the forum's theme is 'Listen, Learn and Lead' and builds on Key Priority One: Lead and Plan Aboriginal Workforce Development in the Good Health - Great Jobs Aboriginal Workforce Strategic Framework 2016 - 2020.
When: Thursday 11 July and Friday 12 July, 8am to 4pm
Where: ICC Sydney Theatre, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Details at
www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events/2019-good-health-great-jobs-2019-stepping-forum
Discover more events happening around NSW in
NAIDOC Week at
www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call Family Drug Support on
1300 368 186 or Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a
Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.
