NAIDOC dates move to November following COVID-19 restrictions

National NAIDOC Week celebrations will now be held from 8 – 15 November, following a decision by the National NAIDOC Committee (NNC) to postpone NAIDOC Week from the original July dates due to the impacts and uncertainty from the escalating COVID-19 pandemic across communities and cities.

Central to the decision was the protection of First Nations elders, and those in the community with chronic health issues.

The NNC understands that the July dates for NAIDOC may still be acknowledged by communities and organisations, however the committee remains mindful that celebrations and physical gatherings will still be impacted by the various State and Territory COVID19 restrictions and social distancing measures.

The Committee acknowledged the commitment and tireless work of the many State, Territory, regional and local NAIDOC Committees, organisations and individuals whose passion each year makes NAIDOC Week an outstanding success, thanking them for their understanding and patience during these challenging times.

Further announcements regarding the National NAIDOC Awards and the reactivation of the 2020 NAIDOC Local Grants Round will be made within coming weeks, with the NNC continuing to work with partners and key stakeholders to make NAIDOC Week 2020 a suitable and fitting celebration of the 2020 theme, #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

More information about NAIDOC week may be found here.