Australian South Sea Islander National Recognition Day

Connect with culture and learn through storytelling, performance, history talks and panel discussions.

Everyone is welkam ’welcome’ to join us in acknowledgement of this day. Connect with culture and learn through storytelling, performance, history talks and panel discussions.

Enjoy Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Australian South Sea Islander and Pacific cultural dance and song, hip hop and spoken word. There’ll be a display of crafts, a short film and kai kai ‘food’ to enjoy.

The full program will be announced closer to the event.

Australian South Sea Islander National Recognition Day marks the date in 1994 when the Commonwealth Government officially recognised the Blackbirded descendants from the 80 islands of Vanuatu and Solomons as a distinct cultural group.

2022 also marks 175 years since entrepreneur politician Benjamin Boyd illegally trafficked some 200 South Sea Islander men to Eden NSW, to slave alongside Maori and First Nations peoples. On this day we seek to reconcile and remember through truth telling and resilience of an untold shared Australian history.

Bookings are recommended for this free event.

We aim to deliver inclusive and accessible events. If you have any particular access or communication needs, please contact Tim Windsor, City of Sydney area manager youth and community on 02 9265 9333.

Covid safety information

The health and safety of our everyone at our City of Sydney venues is our top priority. If you plan to visit, you must be familiar with the processes and measures in place and follow Covid-safe rules during your visit. See our website for the most up-to-date entry requirements and what to expect when visiting.