Cultural significant dates

• 13 February 2019 13 February 2019

  Anniversary of National Apology Day

  On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the injustices of past government policies, particularly to the Stolen Generations.

• 21 March 2019 21 March 2019

  National Close the Gap Day

  National Close the Gap Day is an annual event that raises 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.

• 26 May 2019 26 May 2019

  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.

• 27 May 2019 27 May 2019

  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 percent of Australians voted in favour of amending two sections of the Australian Constitution.

• 27 May 2019 3 June 2019

  National Reconciliation Week

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

• 3 June 2019 3 June 2019

  Mabo Day

  One June 3 1992, 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. The decision has paved the way for Native Title legislation.

• 1 July 2019 1 July 2019

  Coming of the Light

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

• 7 July 2019 14 July 2019

  NAIDOC Week

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

• 4 August 2019 4 August 2019

  National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

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

• 4 September 2019 4 September 2019

  Indigenous Literacy Day

  Indigenous Literacy 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.