Flag raising to launch NAIDOC Week

A CIVIC reception and flag raising ceremony will mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week 2024 in Bendigo.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said this year’s 10-day program will feature a range of local activities between Thursday 4 July and Sunday 14 July, with the flag raising taking place on Monday 8 July in the Bendigo Library gardens.

“The Bendigo NAIDOC Week Committee has again produced a wonderful program of events which is available on the City’s website and the Bendigo NAIDOC Week Facebook page,” she said.

“NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“It is also a great opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.”

Other events for the week include the Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Ball at the All Seasons Hotel on Friday 5 July, a Welcome Baby to Country ceremony at Harry Trott Pavilion on Tuesday 9 July, the BDAC Family Day at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds on Wednesday 10 July, and the North Bendigo juniors indigenous football round from 13 to 14 July.

The origins of NAIDOC week go back as far as 1957, when the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee was established. Torres Strait Islanders were later included in the committee and it was renamed NAIDOC.

To view this year’s schedule, visit the City of Greater Bendigo website.