NAIDOC Week 2024

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 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. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

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.

Learn more at NAIDOC.org.au.

FREE COMMUNITY CONCERTS

Don't miss Emma Donovan when she hits the stage at the FREE Community Concerts in Karratha at The Quarter from 10am to 12pm on 13 July and at the Ngurin Cultural Centre in Roebourne on 13 July from 6pm to 10pm.

Emma is one of Australia’s most revered voices. She first appeared on the stage with her renowned family band The Donovans, performing church song renditions with her mother Agnes, her five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen.

Emma has toured and recorded with artists such as Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Paul Grabowsky, Spinifex Gum and the late Uncle Archie Roach AC, and Aunty Ruby Hunter. Emma was part of greatly admired Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks and the extraordinary Black Arm Band project. Her collaboration with The Putbacks won multiple awards including best Soul/RnB album 2021 (Crossover) and 2022 (Under These Streets) at the AIR Awards and Best Soul, Funk R&B or Gospel Act, Best Group and Best Album for ‘Crossover’ at the 2021 Music Victoria Awards.

On her mother’s side, Emma is part of the famed Donovan family of singers of the Gumbaynggirr people, of what is now known as Northern New South Wales. On her father’s side, Emma is of the Yamatji people, of what is now known as Western Australia.

Emma regularly performs songs in Gumbaynggirr and Noongar traditional languages, and shares stories to provide her audiences with an understanding of Country and community.

Ziggy Ramo will also be headlining our Community concerts, replacing South Summit as they unfortunately had to cancel their appearance.

Ziggy Ramo is a singer and songwriter known for his lyricism and story-telling ability. The son of an Aboriginal and Solomon Islander father and a mother of Scottish heritage, Ziggy’s experiences with racism in Australia have led him towards activism, both in his music and in the wider world.

Through his music, Ziggy aims to tell the story of Australia’s true race history, so that we can move forward and find answers that will help us improve.

Ziggy captured the attention of the Australian public with his single Little Things, a heartfelt update of Paul Kelly’s “From Little Things Big Things Grow” which put forward a First Nations perspective on invasion, intergenerational trauma and deaths in custody. You can also see him in his starring role as Zeke on Black Snow, streaming on Stan.

Community Concerts ft Emma Donovan and Ziggy Ramo with support from Brodie Kenworthy, Saturday 13 July 10am to 12pm at The Quarter, and 6pm to 10pm at the Ngurin Cultural Centre. FREE.

YOUTH MUSIC WORKSHOPS ft ZIGGY RAMO

12 July at The Youth Shed from 5pm, and at The Base Wickham from 7pm, free event, with more than $1000 in prizes and a free feed! No rego required, just show up!