26 January The 26th of January marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia and is also known as Australia Day. However, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people this is a day to acknowledge their survival rather than celebrate British colonialisation. Events are held all around Australia showcasing different aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures including dance, literature, music, food, language and history.
13 February To mark the anniversary of the formal apology by the Parliament of Australia to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly the Stolen Generations, for past injustices.
18 March This is the annual event held to raise awareness about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health crisis in Australia, and promote equality in life expectancy and health status between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
21 March This is a day of cultural respect for everyone that calls Australia home. The purpose is to promote belonging and cultural diversity, and to reaffirm Australia as an inclusive nation.
26 May On Sorry Day thousands of Australians from all walks of life participate in memorial services, commemorative meetings, survival celebrations and community gatherings to honour and commemorate the Stolen Generations.
27 May – 3 June National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and other Australians. National Reconciliation Week also commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the anniversaries of the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo Decision. It is a time to celebrate and learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and explore how each of us can contribute to the national reconciliation effort.
3 June This marks the anniversary of the High Court’s historic decision, led by Eddie Koiki Mabo, which overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius and recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.
1 July The Coming of the Light Festival is celebrated in the Torres Strait Islands each year and commemorates the date that the London Missionary Society first arrived on Erub Island in 1871. Torres Strait Islanders People mark this day by through cultural and religious celebrations.
4–11 July NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Held from the first Sunday to the second Sunday in July, this week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4 August This is a day to reflect on the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: their right to be educated, cared for, protected, and to have the opportunity to understand and practise their culture.
9 August This day affirms the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples all around the world. It also celebrates their unique contributions and diverse, rich cultures.
Download our significant dates poster!
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
Ground Floor 27 Cope St Redfern 2016
