Important Dates
26 January: Survival Day

On 26 January, the National Australia Day Council (NADC) recognises the unique status of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The NADC advises that it is committed to playing a part in the journey of Reconciliation by helping all Australians to move forward with a better understanding of our shared past, and importantly how this affects the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today and how we might build a better future together.


For more information about the Council, visit the National Australia Day Council website

For more information about Survival Day events, visit ANTaR

13 February: National Apology Anniversary

Anniversary of the formal apology made on 13 February 2008 by the Government and the Parliament of Australia to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in particular to the Stolen Generations.
For more information visit the National Sorry Day Committee website

16 March: National Close the Gap Day

The day gives people the opportunity to show their support for closing the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. It is a chance for organisations and communities to hold events and raise awareness of the Indigenous health crisis. For more information visit the Oxfam Australia website

21 March: Harmony Day

Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of Australia and promotes a tolerant and culturally diverse society.
For more information visit the Harmony Day website at www.harmony.gov.au/harmony-day

26 May: National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day offers the community the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the policies spanning more than 150 years of forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 following the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report, Bringing Them Home: The ‘Stolen Children’ report (1997) which recommended that a national day of observance be declared.

For more information visit the National Sorry Day website or ANTaR

27 May – 3 June: National Reconciliation Week

Each year, National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of the first Australians. The week provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements so far and the things which must still be done to achieve reconciliation.
For more information visit the Reconciliation Australia website

3 June: Mabo day

Mabo day marks the anniversary of the High Court of Australia’s judgement in 1992 in the Mabo case. This is a day of particular significance for Torres Strait Islander Australians.
For more information visit the Mabo Native Title website

1 July: Coming of the Light

The Coming of the Light festival marks the day London Missionary Society first arrived in the Torres Strait. The missionaries landed at Erub Island on 1 July 1871, introducing Christianity to the region.
For more information visit the Torres Strait Regional Authority website

July: National NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The week is celebrated not just within the Indigenous community, but also increasingly in government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces. Wherever you live, taking part in NAIDOC Week is a great way to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

For more information visit the NAIDOC website

4 August: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day was established by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care in 1988. A new theme is announced each year to highlight a significant issue or hope for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

For more information visit the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care website

16 August: Path to Treaty

Having been traveled since 2019, the Path to Treaty reached an historical milestone on 16 August 2022. On this day, the Queensland Government re-affirmed its commitment to progressing the Path to Treaty and taking the next steps in this remarkable journey.

The following lists what you MUST now do:

  • Follow, share and promote the Path to Treaty activities using the information supplied in this Advocate Pack
  • Follow Deadly Stories Facebook and participate in conversations and reshare multimedia content to support truth telling, healing and reconciliation
  • Visit DSDSATSIP Linkedin and re-share posts about Queensland’s Path to Treaty
  • Subscribe to and receive the Treaty News which will allow you to stay connected and updated on the Path to Treaty reform agenda
  • Visit www.qld.gov.au/treaty for more information.

The ceremony can be watched by clicking here.

9 August: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

The United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is observed on 9 August each year to promote and protect the rights of the World’s Indigenous population. This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

For more information visit the United Nations website

7 September: Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day is held to raise literacy levels and improve the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Australians living in remote and isolated regions.

For more information visit the Indigenous Literacy Day website