Cultural significant dates

  • 13 February 2020 13 February 2020

    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.

  • 19 March 2020 19 March 2020

    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 2020 26 May 2020

    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 2020 27 May 2020

    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 2020 3 June 2020

    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 2020 3 June 2020

    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 2020 1 July 2020

    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.

  • 4 August 2020 4 August 2020

    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.

  • 2 September 2020 2 September 2020

    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.

  • 13 September 2020 13 September 2020

    Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

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

  • 8 November 2020 15 November 2020

    NAIDOC Week

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