Welcome
Welcome to the official NAIDOC website. NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
Today, NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.
Activities take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week in the first full week of July. All Australians are encouraged to participate.
2010 National NAIDOC theme announced
The 2010 National NAIDOC theme is 'Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way'. Many unsung Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made huge contributions to Australian society. 'Unsung heroes' recognises the part played by the quiet achievers in the Indigenous community, both now and in the past. These heroes lead by taking their own paths, and in doing so, helping other Indigenous people set their own direction for the future. The theme asserts Indigenous ownership of 'closing the gap'. The gaps that need to be closed include gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and gaps in knowledge and understanding.
National NAIDOC Award Nominations
The 2010 National NAIDOC Awards are now open for nominations. Each year the awards provide the opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be recognised for the difference they make in the lives of others. Recognition by our people, for our people, contributes to the pride and strength of our culture and our communities. Be inspired by past winners and nominate a special person in your community for the 2010 NAIDOC Awards. Nominations close Friday 30 April 2010.
New National NAIDOC Award
The NAIDOC Caring for Country Award recognises the contribution of Indigenous people and communities who care for country - the land, waters and all living things - conserving our biodiversity and protecting our environment for future generations. To nominate an individual, community or project for this award, please complete a nomination form.
National NAIDOC Poster Competition
The annual National NAIDOC Poster Competition is now open for entries from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The winning artwork must be based on this year's theme 'Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way' and will be reproduced on the 2010 National NAIDOC poster. Artists can enter the competition online, or by mailing the artwork, with a completed application form, to the National NAIDOC Committee. The National NAIDOC Poster Competition carries a first place prize of $5000. Entries close Wednesday 31 March 2010. Free copies of 2010 National NAIDOC poster can be ordered online from May 2010. NAIDOC posters since the 1970s can be viewed in our poster gallery.
2010 National NAIDOC Logo
The 2010 National NAIDOC logo is now available to download from the website. The logo must be used in its entirety and cannot be used for commercial purposes. Commercial purposes include use of the logo on any promotional material that is used to make a profit.