Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh joined local indigenous community groups to raise the flag at the event which included a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony.

This week's national celebrations follow the state-based NAIDOC activities that began on July 1.

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative chief executive officer Karen Heap said it was a "full on" week of events, with the community day last Wednesday drawing thousands of people.

"It's really important for our community to be able to get together and celebrate NAIDOC and have a celebration for the Aboriginal people that have gone before us," Ms Heap said.

Celebrations continue with art exhibitions, performances and special events across Ballarat.

Indigenous artworks, including a rare watercolour by William Barak, will be on show in a special event hosted by gallery director Louise Tegart at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Wednesday evening.

Children are invited to join themed Storytime and Little Language reading sessions at Ballarat libraries.

The week will conclude on Sunday afternoon with a free performance by local writer, researcher and performer Lynden Nicholls along the Avenue of Prime Ministers, presenting an indigenous perspective on historic prime ministerial speeches.

Local NAIDOC Week activities are organised by Aboriginal groups and organisations, the City of Ballarat's Koorie Engagement Group, and other community partners.

Celebrated across Australia, the theme for this year's NAIDOC Week is "Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future".