NAIDOC Week

Each year the first full week of July marks NAIDOC week, which stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The group aims to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians and stems from the 1920’s movement. During NAIDOC week, which this year is 2-9 July, events are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Before Glenferrie Hawthorn and the area of Boroondara was what it is today, the traditional owners and original custodians of the land consisted of 38 tribal groups. Of these 38 groups the Wurundjeri tribe were the most significant.

Glenferrie Hawthorn and the surrounds were an ideal location with the Birrarung (Yarra River) so close, where tribes spent the summer along the banks trapping fish and hunting other animals. The winters were spent moving to higher areas for more shelter. Large clan celebrations were believed to also take place on the hill which now houses Xavier College. The traditional owners were the occupants of this area up until 1837 when the first Europeans settled in Boroondara.