In 1957 a National Aboriginal Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was formed with support and co-operation from Federal and State governments, the churches and major Indigenous organisations. Its aim was to promote previously established Aboriginal Sunday as a day to focus attention on the nation's Aboriginal people. After the 1967 referendum and the establishment in 1972 of a Federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the national focus on Indigenous issues increased significantly.
In 1974 NADOC became an all-Indigenous committee and in 1975 extended Aboriginal Day to Aboriginal Week.
In 1988 the Committee name was changed to NAIDOC - National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee - to acknowledge Torres Strait Islander people.
Since 1992 NAIDOC has been observed annually in the first week of July.
During NAIDOC week in NSW there are events held in local communities, schools and churches - often there are exhibitions of local Indigenous art and dance - as well as more major events at a State level.