National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2019

Each year on 4 August, schools, early learning services and communities around Australia are invited to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. Running for more than 30 years, this is the largest national day to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The focus for the 2019 celebrations will be on the early years, and on promoting the importance of early childhood education and care (ECEC) for all young children identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

The theme for 2019 is We Play, We Learn, We Belong – we play on our land, we learn from our ancestors, we belong with our communities. The 2019 Ambassador is Nanna from the animated children’s series Little J & Big Cuz. 

Children’s Day is a time to for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to celebrate the strengths and culture of their children. The day is an opportunity for all Australians to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every child.

There are a range of ways for ECEC settings to be involved in National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, such as: 

1. Start by thinking of an activity you could do with children to celebrate the day. Or you could get children involved by asking them what they would like to do. 
2. Once you’ve decided on what you’re going to do, register your event here.
3. You can then let everyone in your community know what you’re doing and why. You could invite your community to join you and get involved in your celebrations, or encourage other people in your community to register for their own events.

This year, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day falls on a Sunday, so events may be held before or after the day itself. 

For those services not holding an event, but still wishing to acknowledge the occasion, some free activities are available here. 

Children’s Day bags are also available, containing a book, and toys for children to play with. Bags cost $6 each and are available here.