This annual event recognises the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, inviting everyone to learn about and celebrate the world's oldest continuous living cultures.
The history of NAIDOC traces its way back to the 1920s, with the formation of a number of groups to advocate for Aboriginal rights. These include the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association (AAPA) in 1924 and the Australian Aborigines League (AAL) in 1932. On Australia Day in 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney, followed by a congress attended by over a thousand people. This was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world and came to be known as the Day of Mourning. There was a growing feeling that this should be a regular event and from 1940 to 1955, the Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was known as Aborigines Day. In 1955 Aborigines Day was shifted to the first Sunday in July after it was decided the day should become not simply a protest day but also a celebration of Aboriginal culture.
Following the establishment of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC) in 1975, it was decided that Aborigines Day should cover a week, from the first to second Sundays in July. In 1991, NADOC became NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee), to recognise Torres Strait Islanders, and the committee's acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Each year, a theme is chosen to reflect the important issues and events for NAIDOC. As NAIDOC Week 2025 marks 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, this year's theme is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy". The 2025 theme celebrates not only the achievements of the past but also the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young Indigenous leaders, vision of their communities and legacy of the ancestors of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is committed to Indigenous health. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the traditional landowners of Australia, RACS works to promote health equity, increase Indigenous representation in surgery and create culturally safe environments.
A key initiative is the RACS Indigenous Scholarship Program, which supports medical graduates and current trainees who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. By providing essential resources and opportunities, RACS empowers these individuals to pursue their surgical careers and contribute to their communities, addressing health disparities and ensuring a more representative healthcare workforce. The Indigenous Program's scholarships and grants are open for application from March to April every year and include:
• Career Enhancement Grant for Junior Doctors
• Career Enhancement Grant for Medical Students
• Davison Family Grant
• The Ngarra Grant
• Johnson & Johnson MedTech Scholarship
• The Williams Family Grant
RACS also provides opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori final year medical students and doctors with an interest to attend the RACS Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) through the Indigenous Program's ASC Award and ASC Peer Support Award. These awards enable recipients to participate in the educational program of the ASC and enjoy opportunities to network, gain an understanding of RACS activities and discuss careers paths with RACS leadership.
RACS will be hosting a NAIDOC Week Cultural Safety Workshop on Saturday 5 July at its Melbourne office, where participants have the opportunity to participate in an immersive experience in cultural safety and health safety.
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, let's recognise the importance of promoting Indigenous health and well-being. Participate in NAIDOC Week activities and support initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Find local NAIDOC Week events here. Let's embrace this opportunity to learn, celebrate and work towards a brighter future for all Australians.
