CULTURE & REFLECTION

Significant dates

Important dates to celebrate culture, recognise history, honour resilience and come together in reflection.

Graphic illustration of DNA with double helix structure, surrounded by abstract shapes and lines, in shades of blue, gold, and black.
People walking in a park during an event, with some sitting on benches and others clapping, under a clear sky with trees in the background.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Moments that matter.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander significant dates mark historical milestones, cultural celebrations and moments of national reflection.

26 JANUARY

JAN

Survival Day / Invasion Day

A day of mourning, survival and reflection on colonisation and the resilience of First Nations peoples.

12 FEBRUARY

FEB

Freedom Ride

Commemorates the 1965 Freedom Ride protesting racial segregation in regional New South Wales.

13 FEBRUARY

National Apology Anniversary

Marks the 2008 National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

THIRD THURSDAY IN MARCH

MAR

National Close the Gap Day

Raises awareness of health equality.

26 MAY

MAY

National Sorry Day

Remembers the Stolen Generations.

27 MAY - 3 JUNE

National Reconciliation Week

A time to strengthen relationships and advance reconciliation.

27 MAY

1967 Referendum Anniversary

Commemorates the historic 1967 referendum.

Torres Strait Islander Flag Day

29 MAY

Recognises the Torres Strait Islander flag.

3 JUNE

JUN

Mabo Day

Marks the landmark 1992 High Court native title decision.

FIRST FULL WEEK OF JULY

JUL

NAIDOC Week

Celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.

1 JULY

Coming of the Light

An important day for Torres Strait Islander Christian communities.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

AUG

4 AUGUST

Celebrates the strength, culture and wellbeing of First Nations children.

9 AUGUST

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Recognises the rights and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

FIRST WEDNESDAY IN SEPTEMBER

SEP

Indigenous Literacy Day

Highlights literacy and language preservation.

13 SEPTEMBER

UNDRIP Anniversary

Marks the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

26 OCTOBER

OCT

Uluru Handback

Commemorates the 1985 handback of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Aṉangu Traditional Owners.