NAIDOC Week is a national celebration held during the first week of July each year, honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These celebrations invite all Australians to recognise the enduring strength, wisdom, and contributions of First Nations communities—the custodians of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth.
For UNSW College students, NAIDOC Week offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with Australia’s First Nations peoples through stories, learning, art, music, and cultural exchange. Whether you are an international or domestic student, you are encouraged to take part in local events, explore Indigenous knowledge systems, and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
What’s On in Sydney and Beyond
National Indigenous Art Fair
Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 July, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
Experience the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture at this two-day market on Gadigal land. Meet artists from remote community-owned art centres and purchase artworks, homewares, jewellery, and textiles. All sales go directly back to the artists and their communities. Enjoy live performances, bush food tastings, and hands-on workshops in a vibrant harbour setting.
Weaving the Colours of Country Workshop
Drop-in session, Museum of Sydney
Join Gumbaynggirr textile artist Sancia Ridgeway for a collaborative weaving workshop inspired by the Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country exhibition. No experience needed—all materials provided. Your creation will become part of a larger community artwork displayed at the museum.
NAIDOC Week Activity Centre
Monday 7 – Friday 11 July, John B Fairfax Learning Centre
Take part in daily activities designed to celebrate First Nations stories and creativity. There will be drawing and puzzle stations, a cozy reading corner featuring books by Indigenous authors, and a large collaborative weaving project that everyone is welcome to join.
Aboriginal Cultural Talks: Sky, Land & Waters
With Uncle Jimmy and Yaama Guroo
Discover deep cultural knowledge through a three-part talk series led by respected Elder Uncle Jimmy. After each session, enjoy a hands-on cultural experience such as learning to make Widja (Johnny Cakes). All talks run from 11am – 1:30pm .
- Land and Culture – Tuesday 8 July
- Waters – Tuesday 15 July
Bookings required
We Were Just Little Boys Photography Exhibition
This powerful exhibition shares the stories of Survivors from the Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home. Photographer Tace Stevens uses portraiture and visual storytelling to honour the resilience of men who were forcibly removed from their families as children. The exhibition invites reflection on truth, healing, and cultural strength.
First Nations Cultural Celebration @ UNSW
Monday 7 July, 1pm – 8pm
Celebrate NAIDOC Week on campus with a full day of culture and community. Enjoy a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, live performances, weaving and art workshops, and more.
Register here
Boomerang Painting Workshop
Tuesday 8 July, 11am – 3pm, Room E131, L5 Building (UNSW College)
Create your own painted boomerang in this fun and creative drop-in session. This is a chance to relax, learn about First Nations tools and stories, and take home something meaningful. All materials provided
