Posted by Julian Sonego, Consumer Marketing Manager and Rob Shilkin, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

You have undoubtedly noticed today's Google doodle on the Google Australian homepage. It's in recognition of NAIDOC Week which is an annual celebration of the continuation of Australia's ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the contribution made by Indigenous people to Australia. NAIDOC stands for "National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee". Historically, there was only the one day of celebration. Now a whole week is set aside to celebrate our Indigenous cultures (you may see the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag on Government buildings).

Google's doodles celebrate worldwide events and holidays. These have included Anzac Day, Australia Day, Melbourne Cup Day, and the Sydney Olympics. Doodles have also marked the birthdays of famous artists and thinkers, including Van Gogh, da Vinci, Mozart, Einstein, Michelangelo, Picasso, Andy Warhol and Alfred Hitchcock.

We're delighted to add to this list another distinctly Australian design for NAIDOC Week, an event that is supported by all sides of politics. NAIDOC Week can give us reason to reflect on indigenous achievements and offers us a chance to work towards a more positive future.

For further information on NAIDOC Week activities in your area, please contact your local Indigenous Coordination Centre on 1800 079 098 (in Nhulunbuy area call 1800 089 148, Kalgoorlie area call 1800 193 357 and in Kununurra please call 1800 193 348).