NAIDOC Week 2024: Keep the fire burning!
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures & histories & participate in celebrations.
NAIDOC week celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NAIDOC Week 2024 is held from Sunday the 7th July to Sunday the 14th July. You can learn more about NAIDOC Week here.
Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud
The theme for this year is “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud.”
The NAIDOC committee invites all Australians to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced, explaining:
"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
Celebrating the peer work of Person of the Year nominee Georgia Weir
NAIDOC Awards are held every year to recognise the incredible work First Nations people are doing for their communities. We want to highlight the work of Georgia Weir, a Person of the Year Finalist whose story and contributions are very relevant to the Counselling Online community.
Georgia is a Kuku Yalanji woman who turned to running to cope when she struggled with poor mental health and addiction. She explains:
“... What I observe as someone who battled addiction and mental health, long distance running teaches you to sit with discomfort and know that it’s gonna be okay. I felt that I’d found something magic and I was like, people need to know that this is possible, that running can do this for you.”
That’s why Georgia created Deadly Runners, a social running group that coaches First Nations beginners as they learn to love running and improve their physical, mental and emotional health.
Georgia has experienced ups and downs through her journey but has persevered to create this space for her peers:
“A place where mob push and support each other, not just through running but through life. A place of empowerment and healing.”
The group started in Queanbeyan and now has programs throughout Canberra, New South Wales and Queensland. Check if there’s a program in your area.
We’re so grateful for the work Georgia has done to share what she’s learned and help other people who are struggling.
Participate in NAIDOC Week
Counselling Online encourages all Australians to celebrate NAIDOC Week. Here are some things you can do:
- Support and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities here.
- Plan your own event to celebrate NAIDOC Week. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Download resources from the Support NAIDOC Toolkit to display around your workplace, club or community group
Reach out to us
If you need any support, Counselling Online is here to chat so please reach out — free, confidential, 24/7. Our service is inclusive and non-judgmental.
