NAIDOC Week - July 2024

Monash celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from 7-14 July 2024 as part of NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

'Blak, Loud and Proud' encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of First Nations identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of First Nations peoples are fully valued and respected.

The City of Monash is situated on the traditional lands of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong people.

The diversity of First People's heritage and contemporary culture throughout Monash is highly respected and valued. Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.

Upcoming events

NAIDOC Week Storytime with Samantha Richards: 4-11 July

Join Samantha Richards, a proud descendant of the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes of the Melbourne and Bendigo regions, for storytime during NAIDOC Week to explore and celebrate the stories and culture of Australia’s First Peoples.

The Track Gallery presents: A Night with Kobi Sainty: 5 July

Join us for a captivating evening as we celebrate the launch of Kobi Sainty's exhibition at The Track Gallery. Immerse yourself in the essence of the land with a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, refreshments and tunes whilst you enjoy Kobi’s breathtaking artwork.

Our Connection, Our Country: An Exhibition by Kobi Sainty

Our Connection, Our Country tells the story of Bunurong Country and our deep connections to it. Bunurong artist Kobi Sainty explores relationships with water, community and country, and his life and experiences in contemporary Melbourne as a Bunurong artist and community member.

Intercultural NAIDOC Week Book Club meeting: 6 July

Take part in a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country with a First Nations Elder, and hear book club members discuss books for adults and children that cover First Nations themes.

Early contacts with Indigenous populations: 8 July

When Europeans first arrived in Victoria in the early 19th century, Aboriginal people had been living there for tens of thousands of years. In this presentation, author of the book First People, Dr Gary Presland, will detail the Eastern Kulin way of life.