First Peoples days of significance
Acknowledging important dates on the First Peoples calendar shows respect for their community, culture and defining historical moments.
Stonnington holds events throughout the year to support reconciliation and celebrate the achievements and ongoing resilience of Australia's First Peoples. You can find out more and register your attendance online.
Days of significance
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Healing Ceremony
26 January
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The City of Stonnington hosts a Healing Ceremony in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
The first Healing Ceremony was held at Malvern Cricket Ground in 2022 and is now an annual event.
The ceremony allows the community to learn what the day means to Traditional Custodians and supports Council's reconciliation journey.
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Anniversary of the apology to the members of the Stolen Generations
13 February
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This date marks the anniversary of the apology to the members of the Stolen Generations. In 1997, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP became the first Australian Prime Minister to give a public apology to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Federal Government.
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Close the Gap Day
17 March
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National Close the Gap Day acknowledges and supports the right for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have health equality. |
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National Sorry Day
26 May
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National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and reflect on how we can all share in the healing process. The inaugural National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998. |
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National Reconciliation Week
27 May to 3 June
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This week celebrates the cultures and achievements of the First Peoples community and commemorates two historical dates: 27 May 1967 (a successful referendum allowing First Peoples to be counted in census data) and 3 June 1992 (the Mabo decision was delivered in the High Court of Australia).
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Mabo Day
3 June
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Eddie Mabo was an influential land rights activist who helped establish the Native Title Act in 1993. This day is a celebration of his legacy which led to many progressive reforms for the First Peoples community.
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NAIDOC Week
(first week in July)
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NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
Each year, a theme is chosen to reflect the important issues and events for NAIDOC.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
4 August
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is celebrated each year on 4 August. This day celebrates the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children which comes from connection to culture and mob.
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