ABC Education is proud to announce that it has once again been chosen to partner with the NAIDOC committee to create official NAIDOC week Education Resources for this year’s theme: ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Loud, Blak and Proud.’
The resources were overseen by NAIDOC Committee, Co-Chair, Dr Lynette Riley, AO, and written by experienced educators from Culture is Life. We would like to acknowledge the writers of this resource, Thara Brown (Yorta Yorta), Aunty Stephanie Armstrong OAM (Gamilaraay/Bigambul), Jasmine Miller (Wirangu/Kokatha) and Arkeria Armstrong (Gamilaraay/Bigambul), as well as the team the wider Culture is Life team who contributed to these resources including CEO Belinda Duarte (Wotjobaluk/Dja Dja Wurrung), Madeline Wells (Palawa/Koori), Alex Shain and designer Sofii McKenzie-Kirkbright (Koori) for their valued contribution.
The guide will assist all Australian teachers on how to meaningfully introduce the themes of this NAIDOC week to students and their school communities and can be discovered on the NAIDOC and ABC Education websites on June 17th.
According to the National NAIDOC Committee, ‘Keep the Fire Burning!’ is a nod to the vitality and endurance of culture, and a nod to connection with Country and community, while ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ represents an unapologetic celebration of identity.
The Resources
The resources which are designed for Levels F-10, and are in line with the Australian Curriculum include discussions and activities for older students to learn about and honour the lives of the Elders and Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have blazed the way. They also provide guidance for early childhood and early primary educators to imagine a freedom of spirit and Country where possibilities to create space — through the imagination of children — can foster the strength of children.
There are two distinct needs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education outlined in the Australian Curriculum: “firstly that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are able to see themselves, their identities and their cultures reflected in the curriculum of each of the learning areas, can fully participate in the curriculum and can build their self-esteem” and secondly “that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority is designed for all students to engage in reconciliation, respect and recognition of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.”
A Message from the CEO
For me, the NAIDOC theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” is a reminder to remain intentional and ensure we stay focused on what matters to our children, young people, families and communities. Continuing the necessary work to leave a legacy for generations, sharing our pride, loving loud and respectfully honouring our people is at the core of what we do at Culture is Life.
We are again extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to be the official education resource partner, standing united on this work with the National NAIDOC committee and the ABC. We invite you to join us in this action by sharing through schools and community organisations to pay tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for you to share more stories in your communities as part of the “Keep the Fire Burning” NAIDOC theme.
Celebrating NAIDOC this year is a reminder of who we are and have always been. That the stand and fight for equity, justice and respect continues.
Dalki dalk (Thank you) to Thara Brown for your leadership and the team of contributors in creating the NAIDOC 2024 resources.
Belinda Duarte
(Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung)
CEO, Culture is Life
A Message from NAIDOC
“The National NAIDOC Committee is proud to announce the 2023 National NAIDOC Week Educational Resources, in partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and First Nations educators at Culture is Life, an Aboriginal-led non-for profit organisation.
The NAIDOC theme for 2024, “KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD”, is a remembrance and reminder of the constant fights for equity in this our own land, since Cook illegally staked a claim in Australia as being Terra Nullius, and then with the arrival of colonists, who only saw their own needs as superseding our existence and rights, and in the ongoing process sought to wipe our cultures and ways of co-existing with our Countries. We as multiple Nations across Aboriginal Australia and in the Torres Strait Islands, have much to celebrate as survivors and high achievers fighting for our rights, and ongoing teachings about what is needed to ensure endurance in this country of ours Australia. We are proudly loud as we celebrate all our peoples in their continuance, as we weave our way through a Western system and support our children and their children to stay strong in their culture and in their journeys to strengthen this country. Much like a controlled fire, done the right way, we and our Country thrive and survive.”
Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley AO
(Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi)
Co-Chair, National NAIDOC Committee
A Message from ABC
NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements and deepen the understanding of our culture and history. A big part of this is connecting with young Australians and learning about First Nations stories and history in the classroom. This year’s theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, celebrates the enduring strength of First Nations culture and offers teachers a chance to explore various topics, perspectives and experiences with students. We’re proud to encourage our youngest Australians to engage with the world’s oldest continuing culture.
Kelrick Martin, ABC Head of Indigenous
As the official media partner for NAIDOC Week 2024, we are delighted to have been asked by Committee Co-Chair, Dr Lynette Riley AO to support the creation of the NAIDOC education resources under her supervision.
The ABC has drawn once again on the expert educators from Culture is Life, an Aboriginal-led, not-for-profit organisation that focuses on strengthening cultural ties of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
I would like to thank all those at Culture is Life for the invaluable work they have undertaken to produce resources that reflect this year’s theme – Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
David Anderson, ABC Managing Director
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We’re still recovering from the heat wave ☀️💺 but absolutely buzzing after our week on Larrakia Country.
So many thought-provoking convos, deep learnings, and moments that’ll stay with us for a long time.
Huge shoutout to the 2025 Fellows for showing up with heart, courage and curiosity, and to everyone we connected with along the way.
Community, culture and Country… that’s the real magic. ✨
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #larrakiacountry
The 2025 Fellows just wrapped an incredible week in Garramilla on Larrakia Country, a week of reflection, storytelling, healing and deep connection with community and Country.
From Uncle Dr Richard Fejo’s Saltwater Ceremony, to SEWB learnings with Mark Nannup, values grounding with Aunty Steff, storytelling with Gen Grieves, visits to Children’s Ground and Minramana Community, and a beautiful bush medicine workshop with Aunty Cheryl, every day was packed with culture, growth and purpose.
We closed with a powerful circle led by Dr Carmen Cubillo and heartfelt ‘Who You?’ presentations that brought the cohort even closer.
Huge love to all our First Nations hosts and facilitators for welcoming us so generously.
❤️🤎🖤
Join award-winning filmmaker Rachel Perkins and esteemed historian Henry Reynolds at the launch of The Australian Wars book tomorrow night. After sold out launch events in Sydney and Melbourne, the conversation now heads to The Australian War Memorial on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra.
Rachel has long called for First Nations people who died in Frontier Wars conflicts – as well as colonists who were killed – to be officially recognised by this institution ❤️🖤🤎
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, this ground breaking book was conceived by Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series of the same name, produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
Image credit: Dylan River
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray
📚 Launching The Australian Wars Book!
Huge congratulations to everyone involved in creating The Australian Wars book, being launched around the country this week!
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, the book was conceived by the incredible Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
The book builds on the meticulous research conducted for the documentary series, and covers Frontier Wars battles across all the states and territories. It’s a hugely valuable resource for history teachers, and essential reading for all Australians to progress truth-telling in this country. ❤️🖤🤎
Look out for launch events happening in:
Gadigal Country (Sydney)
Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country (Melbourne)
Ngunnawal Country (Canberra) ... and hopefully more to come!
🔍Look it up! Don’t miss this important work.
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray Henry Reynolds
Don’t miss this! Tomorrow night in Naarm!
We’re so proud that our Education Consultant and Fullaship Elder, Aunty Stephanie Armstrong OAM, will be in conversation with Mervyn Bishop and Tim Dobbyn to launch the illustrated biography; Black, White + Colour!
Mervyn Bishop took one of the most significant photos in Australian history: Gough Whitlam pouring a handfull of sand into the hands of Vincent Lingiari. As Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer, his story is a must-hear.
Still a few tickets left - book via trybooking!
Avenue Bookstore, Elsternwick. It’s FREE!
Leyla is a proud Noongar woman who works to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Victoria. From advocating for strength-based mentoring programs to representing young mob in key policy forums, her work is deeply rooted in community and cultural strength.
She is a graduate of the 2022 Fullaship Program, a three-time Melbourne Fashion Week model, and has represented Australia at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference. Having overcome immense adversity, Leyla is committed to breaking cycles and creating spaces for young people to see their worth, pursue their dreams, and step into opportunities that were never designed for them. Above all, she carries forward the values of love, care, and integrity instilled in her by her Nan, whose legacy she continues to honor in all that she does.
📣The school year is flying, but there’s still time to bring our 2025 NAIDOC Education Resources into your classroom!
Here’s a peak at some engaging activities for Early Learning to Year 10, aligned with this year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.’ Designed to be used all year round!
❤️💛🖤
Download Now: Find the official resources (developed by Culture is Life, National NAIDOC Committee, and ABC Education) on our website.
Share Your Voice: Used them already? We want to hear your experience! Complete our quick feedback survey.
🔗 Links in bio!
Professional development webinars for teaching The Australian Wars are now live on our YouTube channel! 📺
Access some of our best discussions anytime and share these essential resources with your colleagues ✨
Deepen your understanding and boost your confidence with Rachel Perkins and our team of Aboriginal educators! 🫶🏽
🔗 Link in bio!
