NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.
Due restrictions for Coronavirus pandemic, Naidoc Week was deferred.
Due the Ring of Steel and numbers of people who can gather together – Victorian National NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations will be held ONLINE from the 8-15 November. This will be a Virtual NAIDOC Week.
Victoria – Virtual Events
MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 9.30am – 10.30am
The annual Flag Raising Ceremony officially marks the beginning of Vic NAIDOC Week. See our flags raised and flying high at Federation Square.
This event brings together community to honour the connection to culture, country, and language of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and a moment of silence for our people who have gone before us.
In partnership with Fed Square, this years event will be streamed live.
Pride Night (virtual)
THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 8pm – 10pm
in 2018, The pride night was reborn and brought back to it’s best, proudly becoming an official event on the Vic NAIDOC events calendar, with Victoria being first committee in Australia to officially celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community with a stand-alone event.
This year, past performers will join new performers as they host a high energy, vibrant and fun virtual watch party LIVE, celebrating all things PRIDE
PERFORMER REGISTER HERE
THE MARCH (virtual)
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 11.45am start
Virtually walk alongside Aunty Pam and Uncle Jack as they share some of their personal memories, stopping at historic landmarks, reminding us all of the importance and history of why we march. The March streaming will commence at 11:45am from Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and conclude at Federation Square
COMMUNITY CABARET (virtual)
SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 6.30pm – 9.30pm
We’re bringing the cabaret back to it’s original home with a night full of entertainment and community spirit to cap off the week we love so much. Expect music, comedy, and plenty of stories from community recalling some of their memorable moments over the years.
Artists: Register Now
OFFICIAL EVENTS POSTER
These are the 5 key events organised by the Victorian Naidoc Week committee.
This year’s theme is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. Make sure you keep updated with this year’s events and resources, which we will be sharing via our eNews, Facebook, and website.
#NAIDOC2020 #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
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(Images and text copyright Victorian Naidoc Week Committee 2020)
