NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and this year it will be held from 2 – 9 July 2023. This year, the theme of NAIDOC week is For Our Elders.
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. Here are local NAIDOC Week events and activities in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
FIRST Exhibition – Newcastle Museum
Running until August 6, Newcastle Museum’s FIRST exhibition features different works by local First Nations Creatives. First is about providing a space for the abundance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives with a connection to Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Showcasing their work on what can feel like an unattainable platform – this is a chance to leave a first (and hopefully lasting) impression.
Date: Runs until Sunday 6 August 2023
Time: 10am – 5pm (Tues – Sun)
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Opening and Fun Day – Raymond Terrace
Join in the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Port Stephens. The Raymond Terrace event will include a flag raising and speeches at Council Admin Building, a march down William street and a community day at Riverside Park including free sausage sizzle, activities and Kooriokee.
Date: Thursday 29 June 2023
Time: From 9.30am
Location: Raymond Terrace
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Celebration of Existence March – Maitland
Join Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council for the Celebration of Existence March. Come early and get painted up before the march. Kids get balloons and signs to carry.
Date: Monday 3 July 2023
Time: 9.30am for 10am start
Location: Maitland Court House
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Newcastle Art Gallery Outdoor Projection – Dead Tongue (2015)
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Newcastle Art Gallery is proud to present video work Dead Tongue (2015) by leading First Nations artist Dr Christian Thompson AO from their collection. Presented as a large-scale outdoor projection at James Street Plaza in Hamilton, the work comprises a moving portrait of the artist along with a stirring soundtrack of the artist singing in Bidjara language.
Date: Monday 3 July – Sunday 27 August 2023
Time: 6-8pm (Sun-Thu), 6-9pm (Fri, Sat)
Location: James Street Plaza, Hamilton
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Murrook Family Fun Day
Join in the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Port Stephens. At the Murrook Culture Centre, located at 2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown, there’ll be activities and entertainment.
Date: Monday 3 July 2023
Time: 10-2pm
Location: Murrook Culture Centre, Williamtown
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC 2023
Country legend Roger Knox will headline the Awabakal Newcastle NAIDOC 2023 celebrations to be held on Newcastle Foreshore. Flag raising in Civic Park from 9am. Then March to Newcastle Foreshore. See Roger Knox, Dreamtime Cultural Tent, Midnight Dreaming Studio Dancers, Minimbah/Yangkay Dancers, Speaking in Colour, food, rides, cultural activities and more.
Date: Monday 3 July 2023
Time: From 9am
Location: Civic Park and Newcastle Foreshore
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Lake Mac Libraries kawumalyikilba NAIDOC Week Stories and Craft
Celebrate NAIDOC Week at Lake Mac Librarie’s free storytime and craft. Join them for stories from Storybox Library playing on the big screen, and craft activity tables. No need to book, just drop in anytime between 1 – 3pm.
Date: Monday 3 July 2023
Time: 1-3pm
Location: Charlestown Library
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Northern NSW Football NAIDOC Cup
After success in 2022, the NAIDOC Cup is back in 2023 with more opportunities to get involved. More than 120 First Nations players aged between 13 and 16 will converge on Valentine Sports Park for the second annual NAIDOC Cup in July.
Date: Monday 3 – Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: TBA
Location: Valentine Sports Park
Age Group: Players 13-16, Spectators all ages
Cost: $100 per player
Website
NAIDOC Storytime at Cessnock City Library
Join Cessnock City Library for a special NAIDOC Storytime for the whole family. This event is for children aged 5+ – please check that you child meets the age limits before booking. Parents/carers are asked to remain the library for the duration of the event.
Date: Tuesday 4 July 2023
Time: 10-10.30am
Location: Cessnock City Library
Age Group: Ages 5+
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day – Karuah
Join in the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Port Stephens. There’ll be activities and entertainment, games, cultural games and a BBQ at the Karuah Family Fun Day.
Date: Tuesday 4 July 2023
Time: 10-12.30pm
Location: Karuah Hall: Mustons Road, Karuah
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Barkuma’s NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day
Barkuma’s Family Fun Day has a strong focus on providing positive access opportunities to various services for our Indigenous community, as well as raising awareness within the local community. Free activities for all ages, rides and entertainment. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Date: Tuesday 4 July 2023
Time: 10-2pm
Location: Binarri Jinama-Gu, Sawyers Gully
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Meet Aunty Michelle Napanangka Earl
Aunty Michelle Napanangka Earl is a proud Wannarua woman with a personal connection to The Hunter Valley, who respectfully teaches and celebrates the Traditional Aboriginal Cultural Heritage of the Communities who reside across the valley. Bookings essential.
Date: Tuesday 4 July 2023
Time: 5.30-6.30pm
Location: Cessnock Library
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Wanay Disco – Aberdare
Join DJ Vesta Kids at a Wanay Disco. Free entry, disco, feed, competitions, lucky door prizes. All children must be supervised by their parents or guardians.
Date: Tuesday 4 July 2023
Time: 6-9pm
Location: 55 Aberdare Road, Aberdare
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Lake Macquarie NAIDOC Week 2023 Flag Raising Ceremony
All are invited to attend Lake Macquarie City Council’s flag raising ceremony and morning tea, as part of NAIDOC Week 2023. No bookings or pre-registration required.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: From 9am
Location: Lake Macquarie City Council Administration Building
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Fun Day – Nelson Bay
Join in the Port Stephens NAIDOC Week events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Port Stephens. There’l be a march down Stockton Street at 9.30am and a Family Fun Day at Nelson Bay Foreshore from 10am.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: from 9.30am
Location: Nelson Bay
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Storytime at Kurri Kurri Library
Storytelling, movement and nature-based craft will be used to introduce children to Wayapa Wuurrk, an Aboriginal based earth mindfulness.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: 10-11am
Location: Kurri Kurri Library
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Koori Colours Clay Class with Jason Russell
Come along to the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre for an intimate sculpting class with Worimi artist Jason Russell, from Koori Colours. Jason will show you how to make your very own coolamon, using air dry clay. All ages welcome. Young children must be supervised by an adult. Only 20 places available. Bookings essential.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: 10-12pm
Location: Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Singleton NAIDOC Week Community Day
Join in a Welcome Ceremony, free BBQ, cultural activities, koorioke and jumping castles. There’ll be 30+ services as well as community stalls and an Elders tent.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: 10-2pm
Location: Singleton Showground
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Free Film – Top End Wedding
As part of NAIDOC Week 2023, join PACC for a free screening of the hit 2019 film Top End Wedding. Top End Wedding is a 2019 Australian romantic comedy film directed by Wayne Blair.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: 11-1pm
Location: PACC Cessnock
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Wanay Disco – Metford
Join DJ Vesta Kids at a Wanay Disco. Free entry, disco, feed, competitions, lucky door prizes. All children must be supervised by their parents or guardians.
Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time: 6-9pm
Location: 1A Chelmsford Avenue, Metford
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Lovett Gallery Exhibition: Koori Knockout – 50 Years
In 1971 at the Clifton Hotel in Redfern, six young First Nations men created what is today the largest gathering of First Nations peoples in NSW — known as the Koori Knockout. In this exhibition, follow the competition from those early days played at Camdenville Oval, St Peters with just seven men’s teams in the first Knockout, to becoming a fixture in the First Nations calendar and the biggest rugby league knockout carnival anywhere in the world.
Date: Thursday 6 July – Saturday 21 October 2023
Location: Lovett Gallery, Level 2, Newcastle City Library
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Art Workshops at Stockland Glendale
In partnership with local organisation Speaking in Colour, Stockland Glendale thrilled to offer engaging kids Aboriginal Art workshops honouring this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: For Our Elders. During this event, children immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Aboriginal art. Led by experienced facilitators, participants will learn about the significance of Aboriginal art and its connection to cultural storytelling. Plus, contribute to the “For Our Elders” art space. Alongside their artwork, kids can complete a heartfelt letter to their own ‘Elder’.
Date: Thursday 6 – Saturday 8 July 2023
Time: 10-2pm
Location: Stockland Glendale (outside Coles)
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Free Sand Art at Jesmond Central
Join Jesmond Central as they celebrate NAIDOC week at the centre with sand art on beautiful Indigenous art designs and unleash your creativity!
Date: Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 July 2023
Time: 10-1pm
Location: Centre Court, Jesmond Central
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Coolamon Making Workshop at Port Stephens Libraries
Coolamons were traditionally used to carry water, fruits and nuts, as well as to cradle babies. Come along and create your own coolamon from clay. For ages 7 to 13 years. Bookings essential.
Date: Thursday 6 July 2023
Time: 10-12pm at Tomaree Library, 2-4pm at Raymond Terrace Library
Age Group: 7-13
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Artmaking at MAC yapang
Enjoy a family friendly tour of the exhibition and create artworks inspired by First Nations culture. This program is for families to learn and create. Guest Artist, proud descendant of the Wiradjuri/Wongaibon people, Renae Lamb will lead families in making art inspired by NAIDOC week. Each session is 50mins and will include a short introduction to the current exhibition clay play and drawing. Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Session 1 – 10am, Session 2 – 11am.
Date: Thursday 6 July 2023
Time: 10-12pm
Location: Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), Lake Macquarie
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $9.78
Website
NAIDOC Week Storytime and Wayapa Wuurrk Family Practice Introduction – Wallsend Library
Join Indigenous health practitioner Sarah Corrigan from Rainbow Crow Cultural Collective for a special NAIDOC Week Storytime and an introduction to the Wayapa program for families. Wayapa® is an earth connection practice that is based on ancient Indigenous wisdom, focusing on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. Mindfulness and Indigenous inspired movements allow for a healing space through yarning, sharing and connection. Spaces limited.
Date: Thursday 6 July 2023
Time: 11-12pm
Location: Wallsend Library
Age Group: All ages (under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Free Film – Teach A Man To Fish
As part of NAIDOC Week 2023, join PACC for a free screening of the 2018 documentary film Teach A Man To Fish. Grant Leigh Saunders is an Aboriginal filmmaker, writer and musician who has secretly always wanted to be a fisherman, just like his father and grandfather before him. This fishing yarn is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Manning River in central New South Wales.
Date: Thursday 6 July 2023
Time: 11.00am
Location: PACC Cessnock
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Storytime and Wayapa Wuurrk Family Practice Introduction – Newcastle (City) Library
Join Indigenous health practitioner Sarah Corrigan from Rainbow Crow Cultural Collective for a special NAIDOC Week Storytime and an introduction to the Wayapa program for families. Wayapa® is an earth connection practice that is based on ancient Indigenous wisdom, focusing on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. Mindfulness and Indigenous inspired movements allow for a healing space through yarning, sharing and connection. Spaces limited.
Date: Friday 7 July 2023
Time: 11-12pm
Location: Newcastle (City) Library
Age Group: All ages (under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Free
Website
Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC Family Fun Day
Everyone is invited to this great day out to celebrate Aboriginal culture. There’ll be weaving workshops, entertainment, Elders marquee and market stalls.
Date: Saturday 8 July 2023
Time: 10.30-3pm
Location: TAFE Park, Cessnock
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Celebrations at Charlestown Square
Join Speaking In Colour for an art workshop where you can learn about the Indigenous art forms and their stories. Get ready to be inspired, connect with the local community, and contribute to NAIDOC Week celebrations at Charlestown Square!
Date: Saturday 8 July 2023
Time: 10-2pm
Location: Charlestown Square, Level 1
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation Flag Raising and Welcome to Country
Join Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation to honour NAIDOC week 2023, the local Aboriginal Community and ackowledge the culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Date: Saturday 8 July 2023
Time: From 10.30am
Location: TAFE Park, Cessnock
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
NAIDOC Week Celebration at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
Join in on an exclusive workshop making your very own Coolamon (limited spaces, bookings essential) or enjoy the free activities including Aboriginal Dance workshops, story telling, sampling bush foods or Gundabooka Trail Guided Tour. There will also be a sausage sizzle, raffles and plant sales. Cafe and Gift Shop will be open.
Date: Sunday 9 July 2023
Time: 10-2.30pm
Location: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids plus booking fee
Website
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