Dates of Significance

16th February
Anniversary of National Apology Day

On February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the injustices of the past government policies, particularly the Stolen Generations.

18th March
National Close the Gap Day (the third Thursday of March each year)

National Close the Gap Day is an annual event that raises the awareness and seeks to close the gap with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, educational and employment outcomes between Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non- Indigenous Australians.

26th May
National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and share the journey towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.

27th May
1967 Referendum

The 1967 Referendum was a landmark achievement following decades of activism by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people where more than 90% of Australians voted in favour of amending two sections of the Australian Constitution.

27th May - 3rd June
National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week celebrations commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the anniversaries of the successful 1967 Referendum and High Court Mabo Decision.

3rd June
Mabo Day

On June 3, 1982, the High Court of Australia overturned the principle of “terra nullius” or “nobody’s land” as claimed by the British when they first arrived in this country. This decision paved the way for the Native Title legislation.

1st July
Coming of the Light

The Coming of the Light is celebrated annually by Torres Strait Islander peoples. It marks the adoption of Christianity throughout island communities during the late nineteenth century.

4th - 11th July
NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

4th August
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is an opportunity for Australians to learn about the crucial impact that community, culture, and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

2nd September
Indigenous Literacy Day

This day is a national celebration of culture, stories, language, and literacy. This day raises awareness of the disadvantages experienced in remote communities and advocates for more access to literacy resources.

13th September
Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights if Indigenous People

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, September 13, 2007.