NAIDOC Week celebrates the achievements and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every year NAIDOC Week celebrations are centred on a theme chosen by the national organising committee. This year the theme ‘Keep the Fire Burning, Blak – Loud and Proud honours the enduring strength and vitality of Fire Nations culture, with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

By way of background, NAIDOC Week’s origins can be traced back to 1938 and the Aboriginal rights movement. On Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney about the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This protest was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in Australia and it became known as the “Day of Mourning”. Between 1940 and 1955 the Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was commonly known as “Aborigines Day”. In 1955 it was decided that the day should include a celebration of Aboriginal culture, heritage and achievement. This is now celebrated as NAIDOC Week, which highlights the achievements of Indigenous people all over Australia. There are some great events on around our region including:

  • Nowra – Shoalhaven Family Fun Day – Wednesday 10th July 2024 – 10am – 2pm at the Nowra Showgrounds
  • Mogo – Big Day Out – Saturday 13th July 2024, 10am – 2pm at Mogo Oval
  • Cobargo – Katungul Community NAIDOC Day – Friday 12th July 10am – 2pm at Cobargo Showground

To find more events head to the Naidoc Committee Website Local NAIDOC Week events | NAIDOC

SCH has completed its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are well on the way to completing the actions contained in the plan. I encourage you all to read our RAP and understand more about what we are doing as an organisation to support our First Nations tenants and communities. The RAP is on our website 23-24-SCH-Reconcililation-Action-Plan