GEIFN: NAIDOC Week

City of Port Phillip Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

CoPP | PPLS | MEETING | James from Killara: 2 locations | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

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James Williams, Community Engagement Officer for the Inner Metro region, is available in our libraries each week to support First Nations community members.

James can assist with resume writing, job searching, mentoring and coaching, as well as referrals to services including NDIS, Foodbank, Workforce Australia and accommodation support. He can also help with accessing birth certificates, proof of age cards and connecting people with community.

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) are proud to partner with the Killara Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with employment, housing, cultural connection and access to key services.

Where to find James:

Port Melbourne Library | Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12noon
St Kilda Library | Wednesday and Friday | 1-3pm

James is here to help build pathways, provide support and strengthen connections within our community.

Learn more about Killara

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

CoPP | PPLS | CELEBRATING | NAIDOC Week 2026 marking Fifty Years of Deadly | Sunday 5-Sunday 12 July 2026

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A powerful milestone celebrating five decades of Indigenous voices, culture, strength and leadership.

This year’s theme honours the Elders, communities, artists and advocates who have shaped the movement, while recognising the continued resilience, pride and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC has always been more than a week. It is a time to reflect, celebrate culture and identity, and look ahead to the next generation growing up strong in culture and connection to Country.

Our libraries proudly support NAIDOC Week and invite our community to take part through our events, curated reading lists and by amplifying First Nations stories, voices and knowledge.

NAIDOC Recommended Reading

You can explore and celebrate NAIDOC Week with our reading list for children and teens.

This collection highlights powerful stories by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and voices, offering young readers a chance to learn, reflect and see the world through different perspectives.

Explore our recommended reading

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

CoPP | GOV | LAUNCHING | Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027

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Our vision is a City that prioritises First Peoples' voices, enables self-determination, and creates a culturally safe and inclusive future.

This RAP was developed in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council, Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, strengthens our journey towards reconciliation.

City of Port Phillip is proud to launch its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 – a meaningful step in our ongoing commitment and journey towards reconciliation.

We’re taking action across 17 priority areas - from supporting Treaty awareness to exploring options for a dedicated cultural Gathering Place.

Learn more about our third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

CoPP | GOV | GATHERING | NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony | Monday 7 July 2025 | 11am-12noon

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Join us for a Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate the start of NAIDOC Week 2025, and to celebrate the 50 years of NAIDOC Week and legacy of elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.

NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week) is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme for this year is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" which celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young First Nation leaders, and the legacy of their ancestors.

This event is organised by City of Port Phillip and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and will mark the start of our NAIDOC Week celebrations (6 July – 13 July 2025).

Where: Front lawn of St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Cost: Free
Bookings: All members of the community are invited to attend. No registration required.

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | NAIDOC Week: 'Our Warrior' and Q&A with Uncle Charles Pakana | Tuesday 8 July 2025 | 6-7.30pm

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Join Director Anthony Kelly and journalist and editor Uncle Charles Pakana for a special NAIDOC film screening.

Aboriginal political activist Robbie Thorpe stands as part of a long line of Indigenous resistance to invasion and this powerful documentary shows the making of this modern leader and tracks the resurgence of a powerful Black, Indigenous, anti-colonial movement that is currently reshaping the country.

Robbie’s story is a story of resistance across generations, the power of family and the unrelenting struggle for justice in a country that remains in denial. Controversial and uncompromising, Australian Aboriginal political activist Robbie Thorpe stands as part of a long line of Indigenous resistance to invasion.

Robbie's message is critical to modern Australia. A Q&A with director Anthony Kelly and Uncle Charles Pakana will follow the screening (Film length 53 minutes).

“To accept one’s past – one’s history – is not the same thing as drowning in it.” - James Baldwin

Where: Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Victoria 3205

Cost: Free

Bookings: online via Trybooking

Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)

City of Port Phillip

Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia

Telephone: 03 9209 6655

AUST | NAIDOC | COMMEMORATING | Keeping the Fire Burning! Blak. Loud and Proud | Sunday 7-Sunday 14 July 2024

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National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) 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.

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.

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous 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 Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

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.

National NAIDOC Secretariat

Address: c/o – Culture and Heritage Branch, National Indigenous Australians Agency, GPO Box 2191 Canberra ACT 2601

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VICNAIDOC | GATHERING | Gala Ball | Saturday 8 July 2023

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The Vic NAIDOC Gala Ball is the jewel in the crown of VicNAIDOC Week! An exceptional line up of First Nations entertainers and a sumptuous 3 course menu await you.

Join us for a breathtaking celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, where tradition and elegance intertwine.

Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant art, mesmerising performances, and rhythmic beats, while we honour Elders.

Don't miss this unforgettable evening of inspiration, unity, and pride, as we come together to celebrate the rich heritage and indomitable spirit of First Nations peoples.

Secure your tickets now and be a part of this remarkable event.

Make a weekend out of it! Accor Hotels have partnered with VicNAIDOC to provide 10-15% off their flexible room rate for selected hotels throughout Melbourne all NAIDOC week long. Simply CLICK HERE and book the best rate around town.

Get Tickets

Vic NAIDOC

VICNAIDOC | CELEBRATING | Pride Gala | Thursday 6 July 2023

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Vic NAIDOC Pride Gala will present prolific speakers, performances, Artist from the Blak LGBTQIA+ community, by grassroots for grassroots.

We welcome our First Nations LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate our Elders and cultural historical existence. We welcome all who have been staunch with the Blak LGBTQIA+ community.

Our community will gather to celebrate and show gratitude to our Elders at Fitzroy Town Hall in Fitzroy.

In 2023, we want to honour our Elders in line with the NAIDOC theme 'For Our Elders' by hosting a Gala dinner that offers full accessibility requirements and comfort for our respected Elders. Join us for a night of celebration, performance, art and blak excellence.

Buy Tickets

Vic NAIDOC

VICNAIDOC | WALKING | NAIDOC March | Friday 7 July 2023 | assembling from 10am for 12noon

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For Our Elders. Open to all people, councils, organisations and businesses to come and march with us.

Join us at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) from 10am. Make your banner for the march, get the kids face painted, and enjoy the entertainment! Vic NAIDOC merchandise will be available to purchase.

The march leaves from VAHS on Nicholson Street, Fitzroy at 12:00 pm.

We welcome all people, councils, organisations, and businesses to come and march with us.

We will march past, Fig Tree on top of Gertrude Street, Pastor Sir Doug and Lady Nicholls statue, Parliament House, corner of Bourke & Swanston, corner of Flinders & Swanston Street

Vic NAIDOC

VICNAIDOC | RAISING | Flag Ceremony | Monday 3 July 2023

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The annual Flag Raising Ceremony officially marks the beginning of NAIDOC Week in Victoria.

Bringing members of the community together to publicly commemorate the importance of NAIDOC week.

The event honors continued 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.

NAIDOC week is an opportunity for our people to come together in a positive and cultural context – encouraging families, community and elders to recognise the enormous contribution that mob make to the community.

Vic NAIDOC