About NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday) to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrating the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
NAIDOC Week in the City
The City of Bayswater acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, and pays its respects to Elders past, present and emerging who have cared for Country for thousands of years and who continue to care for Country today.
Each year, the City hosts a range of free community celebrations to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
In 2023, NAIDOC Week will be celebrated from Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July. The theme for 2023 is 'For Our Elders'.
- Yarning with Uncle Noel Nannup and Community Planting Day
Bardon Park, 18 Fourth Avenue East, Maylands
Sunday 2 July, 9am – 12pm
Join our community planting day at Malgamongup (Bardon Park) and hear stories from Elder Dr Noel Nannup.
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- Boodja Bush and Noongars (Ages 5 – 12)
Morley Library
Tuesday 4 July, 2 – 3pm
Learn about Country and the ways of the Noongar people, including the six seasons. Bookings open one week prior.
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- Noongarts and Crafts (Ages 5 – 12)
Bayswater Library
Wednesday 5 July, 10 – 11am
Create a piece of art from raw materials, based on the Dreaming. Bookings open one week prior.
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Maylands Library
Thursday 6 July, 2 – 3pm
Play bingo and learn Noongar language using symbols, plants and animals. Bookings open one week prior.
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- Noongar Language and Culture Workshop with Carol Foley
Maylands Library
Saturday 8 July, 10 – 11am
Learn about First Nations culture from local Noongar language teacher Carol Foley. Bookings open four weeks prior.
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- Bushwalk with Belinda Cox and Community Planting Day
Baigup Wetlands
Saturday 8 July, 9 – 10am
Enjoy a stroll in nature with Belinda Cox from Djirrily Dreaming and learn about native plants before taking part in a community planting day.
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- Smoking Ceremony and Community Planting Day
Clarkson Reserve, 48 Clarkson Road, Maylands
Sunday 9 July, 9am – 12pm
Come along to the community planting day at Maylands Samphires and take part in a smoking ceremony.
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Videos from the City
The video was made in collaboration with the City of Bayswater, the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Baigup Wetland Interest Group. Whadjuk Elders Dr Noel Nannup and Marie Taylor share their traditional Noongar knowledge, customs and stories (Dreamtime) of Baigup Biidii and the ongoing importance of the wetlands.
Balladong, Whadjuk, Nyungar Representative Mr Barry McGuire and Belinda Cox, Kangeang/Bibblemun woman, share their traditional Noongar knowledge and culture of this special bushland; in particular, the importance of smoking ceremonies to heal people and Country, and the medicine and food that the bushland provides.
Proudly supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
