Events kicked off on Saturday with the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony to celebrate the hard work and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to improving the lives of those in their communities and beyond.
Victorian Treaty and First Peoples Minister Gabrielle Williams said NAIDOC Week events celebrated the rich histories and cultures of First Peoples who had championed change, in turn creating a better and fairer future for all Victorians and the many generations to come.
“NAIDOC Week reinforces the importance of honouring the oldest living culture in history and the historic steps taken on our shared journey towards treaty and truth-telling, after decades of tireless advocacy,” Ms Williams said.
Later this week, the NAIDOC State Reception and the Victorian NAIDOC Ball will honour and pay tribute to Aboriginal culture, history and achievements.
This year’s theme of “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” encourages everyone to champion institutional, structural and collaborative change, while celebrating those who have already driven and led change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over generations.
Victoria is leading the nation with Treaty and Truth, including the truth-telling Yoorrook Justice Commission that continues to hold hearings across Victoria. Victoria’s work towards Treaty and truth embodies this theme.
The Victorian Budget 2022-23 includes an investment of nearly $1 million to support Aboriginal community cultural events.
The government is an official sponsor of National NAIDOC Week and the National Awards Ceremony, as well as funding the Victorian NAIDOC Committee to deliver events and activities across the state to mark the week.
For more information on NAIDOC Week events this year, visit vicnaidoc.com.au and naidoc.org.au
