NAIDOC Week 2024
The national celebration of NAIDOC Week takes place during the school holidays from Sunday 7 July through to Sunday 14 July, 2024. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC week celebrates Aboriginal people’s history, culture and achievements and is a great opportunity to learn about their rich culture. It is a time of celebration and connection between all peoples. 

‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ - is the National NAIDOC Theme for 2024. This year's NAIDOC Week 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.

At St Mary’s we are passionate about developing all staff and students’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, languages and knowledge systems. We are incredibly proud of our connection to the first custodians of the land on which we live and work, the Walbunja and Brinja Yuin people. We are committed to developing and maintaining genuine, collaborative and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families, local community members, service providers and agencies. 

Our school NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held at the start of Term 3, beginning with the NAIDOC Regional Mass.

NAIDOC Regional Mass and Awards 2024
On Friday 26 July (Week 1) St Bernard’s will be hosting the South Coast Schools Regional NAIDOC Mass which will be celebrated at St Bernard’s Church, Batehaven. We will be joined by other students from schools across our Southern Region including St Bernards, Batemans Bay, Carroll College, Broulee, St Patrick’s, Bega, Lumen Christi, Pambula and St Patrick’s Cooma. 

All our Aboriginal students at St Mary’s from Kindergarten to Year 6 and our Year 6 students will be attending this special Mass. We warmly invite the parents, carers and families of these children to join us.

The theme of our Mass is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ and the Mass will begin at 11:00am. Patricia Ellis, Brinja Yuin Elder, Order of Australia 2023 will offer a Welcome to Country. Following Mass there will be a presentation of NAIDOC Awards for nominated adults and students from our regional schools. St Bernard’s Primary School will then host a BBQ Sausage Sizzle for attendees. 

What's On in the Eurobodalla...

NAIDOC Week flag raising ceremony - Moruya
Wednesday 10 July 2024 (this event takes place during the school holidays)
10am - 12pm
Where: Council Chambers forecourt, 89 Vulcan Street
Celebrate NAIDOC Week at the annual flag raising ceremony. Experience the traditional welcome and smoking ceremony before being invited to join in song and dance. Everyone is welcome.
In line with this year's theme of 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, loud, and proud', a sacred fire will be lit signifying the continuation of local ancient culture and the responsibility we all hold to keep the fire burning.
The lighting of the fire will be repeated at locations across Eurobodalla during NAIDOC Week.

MOGODHA NAIDOC BIG DAY OUT
Saturday 13 July 2024
10am-4pm
Where: Mogo Sportsground,Buckenbowra Rd
Mogo Big Day Out will host activities, carnival rides, cultural workshops and stalls.