Celebrate Children’s Day
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities to celebrate the strengths and culture of our children.
On or around 4 August, all Australians have the opportunity to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
Each year there are more than 500 Children’s Day events held around the nation. This could happen at your workplace, school or kindergarten, or in partnership with a local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation or community.
Ideas include hosting a morning tea or a barbecue, cultural dancing, arts and craft sessions, cultural exchanges, concerts and performances, storytelling, competitions, sporting days, games and activities.
Children’s Day 2020 –
the impact of COVID-19
SNAICC understands that the impact of COVID-19 means many people will be unable to celebrate the day in person. We encourage you to embrace the day and find innovative ways to mark this special day. It could be at your early years service or with your family at home.
Here we list some ideas to help you celebrate in 2020.
Ideas for celebrating Children’s Day
Events
If you are planning to host a Children’s Day event on or during the week of 4 August, please register your event.
Here’s a few ideas, if you are able to get together with others to celebrate:
- Organise an open day or morning tea at work for people to bring their children.
- Hold a family fun day for foster and kinship carers and their children in out-of-home care.
- Organise a children’s picnic or activities in a local park.
- Bring Elders, families and their children together in your service or school for storytelling and cultural activities.
- Have a flag raising ceremony with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
- Hold a fete or fundraising activity for children in your community.
- Organise sporting events or competitions for children and young people.
- Invite local leaders, politicians and Elders to spend some time at your service or school on Children’s Day.
Bags
Children’s Day 2020 bags are now being distributed.
SOLD OUT!
Due to unprecedented demand, we have sold out of all Children’s Day bags! We apologise if you missed out.
Please sign up to our mailing list on our homepage to keep up-to-date with Children’s Day celebrations and plans for next year.
We are also supporting organisations and supporters with online resources, activities for children, and campaigns to promote on social media. We invite everyone to help us create a national atmosphere of celebration, respect and recognition – even if you're unable to get together for a community event.
Social media
Share a picture on social media showing how your child/children are keeping connected to culture. Please use @SNAICC and hashtag #KidsConnectedtoCulture
Share the Children’s Day website – www.aboriginalchildrensday.com.au – on social media and with your family, friends, workmates, and community to encourage others to get involved. Help us create a national atmosphere of celebration, respect and recognition!
Ideas and resources
Arrange for kids at school or in child care to create their own paintings and artworks about the Children’s Day theme: We are the Elders of Tomorrow, hear our voice, and display them for everyone to enjoy.
Arrange for kids to do culturally relevant activities in services, school, child care, or at home. See our online resources to help.
Promote the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in your school or local community through young achiever awards.
Promote your celebrations
Tell your local newspapers, radio and television stations about why your service supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.