Our commitment to Reconciliation

Access Health and Community is committed to reconciliation

At AccessHC, we work to play our part in collectively building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and futures. 

Acknowledging NAIDOC Week 

We encourage everyone to celebrate NAIDOC Week this year from 7 July to 14 July. 

It is a time for us to acknowledge the 65,000-year history and the valuable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made to our country. 

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to participate in a range of culturally-rich activities and events to support and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

It provides us with an opportunity to get together and appreciate the history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. 

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which, over time, has gone from being a day to becoming a week-long celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

The theme: “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud”

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”.

The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What can we do?

There are many community events available to: 

• learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
• explore how we can contribute to achieving better and more equitable outcomes together. 

To find out more or get involved in local NAIDOC Week events around you, visit the  official NAIDOC website. 

What is the history of NAIDOC Week?

The origins of NAIDOC Week stem back to 1938, and the inaugural Day of Mourning.  

The Day of Mourning was held on the day before Australia Day and was a protest marking the 150th anniversary of the arrival of settlers to Australia. It was organised to highlight the plight of Indigenous Australians and to open a political dialogue. The Day of Mourning was a success and raised public awareness. 

In 1957, the day was moved from January to July and became a celebration as well as a memorial. Since 1991, NAIDOC has been a week-long celebration and expanded to include Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

We’re delivering on our Reconciliation Action Plan

Access Health and Community is committing to reconciliation by carrying out the actions in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). To learn more about our RAP and what we are doing, click here.