ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
SAVE THE DATE!!
St Columba’s NAIDOC Day
Wednesday 23rd July
Families are warmly invited and encouraged to join us for our NAIDOC Morning Ceremony (9am-9:30am) and our NAIDOC Closing Ceremony (2:30pm-3pm)
Our NAIDOC Day celebrations will honour the local Awabakal Country, aligning with the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Students will participate in a variety of workshops designed by Mrs Shaw and Stephanie Phoenix, of the Gringai clan, Wonnaruah nation.
The day will begin with a meaningful Morning Ceremony, led by Stephanie Phoenix and Worimi man, Mauri Perry, featuring a traditional smoking and dance display. We are also hoping to have a performance by students from Belmont High School’s Didge Group.
Students will then participate in numerous hands-on workshops led by local Aboriginal presenters which celebrate Aboriginal cultures and the 2025 NAIDOC theme.
Our celebration will conclude with a Closing Ceremony, bringing together the experiences of the day, led by a selection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presenters.
Significant Cultural Events
28th May: Anniversary of the Bridge Walk for Reconciliation
On Sunday 28 May 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of Indigenous Australians
Click HERE for more information
29th May: NSW Indigenous Veterans Ceremony
The NSW Indigenous Veterans Ceremony commemorates the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have fought for Australia in every major conflict since the Boer War.
Click HERE for more information
29th May: Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Flag
The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok of Thursday Island. The flag symbolises the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders.
In 1992 the flag was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and given equal prominence with the Australian Aboriginal Flag.
Click HERE for more information
3rd June: Mabo Day
Mabo Day commemorates Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander who fought for recognition of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of their land.
The Mabo decision was made by the High Court on 3 June 1992 and helped establish a legal framework for native title claims.
Click HERE for more information
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education Teacher