Each year, regular national events are celebrated (or commemorated) such as Reconciliation Day in May, and NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day of Commemoration) in July. While the level of activity and awareness fluctuates with whoever is organising and promoting events, you can be sure that NAIDOC is one week where there is something in the news. Queensland State Schools are required to acknowledge NAIDOC, which is a significant time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country. Started off as one day of commemoration for the anniversary of the 1967 referendum that allowed indigenous people to vote in federal elections and also to include them in the Australian census, NAIDOC is now a week of celebrations. In Brisbane, football games and a glamorous night of dinner and dancing draw people's attention as well as indigenous cultural activities across the suburbs and in Musgrave Park. Across the country, different people choose to celebrate differently. For more details about NAIDOC in general and to get the dates for this year's activities, see the official NAIDOC website.

In Stanthorpe we have had face painting, dance performances, art workshops, entertainment and more. Community members are always encouraged to be involved and to have their say in what should happen.

Have a look at a very extensive calendar of indigenous events that includes important dates in past history as well as current events.