Anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off

23 August

The anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off marks the day in 1966 when Gurindji workers and their families walked off Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, they protested against unequal pay and poor working and living conditions.

The action became a nine-year struggle for the return of Gurindji land. In 1975, part of the Gurindji homelands was returned in a ceremony at Daguragu, and the campaign became a defining moment in the Australian land rights movement.

Ways to mark the date

• Learn from Gurindji accounts of the Walk-Off and its place within the longer history of Gurindji Country.
• Explore the connections between fair wages, working conditions, land rights and self-determination.
• Recognise Vincent Lingiari and the Gurindji families and supporters who sustained the campaign over nine years.

Sources and further reading

This section is under development. More information, sources and further reading will be added as this page grows.

• National Museum of Australia, Wave Hill Walk-Off
• AIATSIS, land rights and the Wave Hill Walk-Off

Related products and resources

We are developing carefully selected products and learning resources for this date. This page will be updated as suitable items become available.