Harmony Day - 21 March
Australia's first National Harmony Day was held on 21 March 1999 to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. National Harmony Day promotes the social, cultural and economic benefits provided by Australia's rich cultural and linguistic diversity. It is a simple and powerful way of expressing that there is no place in ourcommunity for racial intolerance or disharmony. It also encourages a sense of citizenship and pride in our nation and local community.
The orange ribbon originated as a symbol of anti-racism. Now, as a positive symbol of harmony in our community, it is a simple but effective way of showing others that we believe living in harmony in a culturally diverse society benefits all citizens.
Sorry Day - 26 May
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 - one year after the tabling of the report Bringing them Home which was the result of an inquiry into the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
One of the recommendations of the report was that a National Sorry Day should be declared. Sorry Day offered the community the opportunity to be involved in activities to acknowledge the impact of the policies of forcible removal on Australia's indigenous populations.
Reconciliation Week - 27 May to 3 June
The theme of National Reconciliation Week for 2007 will be “Their Spirit Still Shines”
National Reconciliation Week is a time for us to renew our commitment to reconciliation and to think about how we can help turn around the continuing disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
National Reconciliation Week offers all Australians the opportunity to express their commitment to reconciliation and to get involved in reconciliation activities in the community.
Mabo Day - 3 June
This day commemorates the anniversary of the 1992 High Court decision in the case brought by Eddie Mabo and others which recognised the existence in Australia of Native Title Rights.
The Dreaming Festival – 8-11 June
Australia’s International Indigenous Festival, held in Woodford, South East Queensland.
Further information is available from the Queensland Folk Federation on 07 5496 1066.
State Library of Queensland Reconciliation Week Program – 18 June to 29 June
Further information is available from the Kuril Dhagun Indigenous Knowledge Centre, State Library of Queensland on 07 3842 9887.
Laura Festival 2007 – 22-24 June
Festival celebrating Indigenous culture held in biannually in Laura, in Cape York, Far North Queensland. Further information is available from the Quinkan Centre on 07 4060 3457.
Coming of the Light Festival - 1 July
The Coming of the Light festival commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society in the Torres Strait in 1871. The event is celebrated through religious and cultural ceremonies.
NAIDOC Week – 8 to 15 July
NAIDOC
(National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee) Week is an annual event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.
The National theme for 2007 is, 50 years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak. The focus city for 2007 is Darwin.
National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day 4 August
National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day (NAICD), is an annual event celebrated on August 4th each year having been established by SNAICC in 1988.
The aim of NAICD is to demonstrate how important children are to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through focussing on a different theme each year NAICD draws attention to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and major issues SNAICC is pursuing on their behalf.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People - 9 August
In 1994 the United Nations designated this day as International Day of the World’s Indigenous People to be observed each year throughout the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995-2004). This event celebrates the achievements and contributions of Indigenous people to the global community.
Croc Fest
The Croc Festivalis an innovative event held annually in a number of locations around Australia that builds partnerships whilst celebrating youth and culture in rural and remote communities.
The festivals engage young Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in education, careers markets, health-expo, sporting events and inspirational activities as well as performing and visual arts and crafts in a 100% drug and alcohol free environment.