NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.
On account of the Coronavirus pandemic, Naidoc Week has been deferred. National NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations will be held from the 8-15 November.
The November dates follow the decision by the National NAIDOC Committee (NNC) to postpone NAIDOC Week from the original July dates due to the impacts and uncertainty from the escalating Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic across our communities and cities.
The postponement was aimed at protecting our elders and those in our communities with chronic health issues from the disastrous impacts of COVID19.
As cooler weather approaches the need to protect our most susceptible remains.
Further announcements regarding the National NAIDOC Awards and the reactivation of the 2020 NAIDOC Local Grants Round will be made within coming weeks.
The NNC understands that the July dates for NAIDOC may still be acknowledged by communities and organisations, however we are mindful that those celebrations and physical gatherings will still be impacted by the various State and Territory COVID19 restrictions and social distancing measures.
We acknowledge the commitment and tireless work of the many State, Territory, regional and local NAIDOC Committees, organisations and individuals whose passion each year makes NAIDOC Week an outstanding success.
We thank you for your understanding and working with us during these uncertain times.
The National Naidoc Committee are continuing to work with our partners and key stakeholders to make NAIDOC Week 2020 a suitable and fitting celebration of #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
Victoria
On a national level, NAIDOC has been postponed until November. However, the Victorian NAIDOC Committee has decided regardless, to hold events online from 5-12 July to mark the historic week and hope to celebrate all people involved in previous NAIDOC Weeks, as well as helping the Victorian community learn about NAIDOC, the history, the people and community.
This year’s theme is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. Make sure you keep updated with this year’s events and resources, which we will be sharing via our eNews, Facebook, and website.
#NAIDOC2020 #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
