NAIDOC Week 2023 Overview

The department celebrates NAIDOC Week 2023 with our public schools and early childhood education services during Week 10, Term 2. We celebrate NAIDOC Week at this time because it is when schools and services are open and operational.

The theme ‘For Our Elders’ celebrates and pays respect to all Elders, honouring the important role they play as cultural knowledge holders and leaders in the wider community.

We thank the Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Directorate for coordinating these events and for all those within our public schools and early childhood education services who participated.

On Monday, we will release a Round Table Q&A with Elders and Executives from across the department. The video features Elders and Senior Executives answering questions about this year's NAIDOC Week theme as well as a story from Uncle Wes Marne AM.

On Tuesday, we will share a video from Early Childhood Education and Care to inspire creativity with the children at your service. Presented by TV presenter Luke Carroll and Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson, the video features singing, crafts and storytime.

On Wednesday, we will shine a spotlight on some of the work we do in partnership with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, families, communities, and organisations in the Port Macquarie-Hasting area, paying tribute to this year's NAIDOC Week theme.

On Thursday, we will showcase the official launch of NAIDOC Week 2023, which includes a keynote speech from Uncle Bob Morgan AM and musical performances from Nepean Performing Arts High School.

On Friday, we will wrap up the celebrations with a tutorial lesson from the Wagana Aboriginal Dance Company followed by another story from Uncle Wes Marne AM.

Video - Round Table Q&A with students, Elders and Senior Executive on this year's NAIDOC theme 'For Our Elders' (duration 23:22)

Kick off with a virtual Round Table Q&A between students and Elders, students and Senior Executives, where we will dive into the importance of NAIDOC Week 2023, this year’s theme and what it means. Then enjoy listening to a Dreaming story from Uncle Wes Marne AM.

Video - Early Childhood Education and Care play school (duration 19:40)

Watch the video from Early Childhood Education and Care to inspire creativity with the children at your service. Presented by TV presenter Luke Carroll and Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson, the video features singing, crafts and storytime.

Video - Port Macquarie-Hastings NAIDOC tribute (duration 20:42)

This is a powerful tribute to Aboriginal culture and traditions, highlighting the importance of collaboration between schools, communities and culture. It showcases the invaluable insights and contributions of our Elders in shaping our communities and guiding future generations.

Video - Official launch at Parramatta (15:55)

Watch the recording of a department NAIDOC Week launch held in the William Wilkins Gallery, 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta. It includes a Welcome to Country from Uncle Chris Tobin, guest speaker Uncle Bob Morgan AM and musical performances by Nepean Creative and Performing Arts School.

Video - Wagana Aboriginal Dance Company (duration 20:09)

Hear from Karen Jones, Executive Director as we reflect on a week of activities and celebrating our Elders followed by a dance performance and a tutorial lesson with the Wagana Aboriginal Dance Company and story from Uncle Wes Marne AM.

More NAIDOC Week Events

The official NAIDOC Week (2 to 9 July) is also being marked by events in the department and in communities all around Australia. The websites and social media of local governments and Land Councils are good places to find information on events and celebrations.

For more information about flying the Australian Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag throughout NAIDOC Week visit the department's flag protocol page.

For more NAIDOC Week events visit the official NAIDOC Week website.