A range of events will be held around the Sunshine Coast to celebrate NAIDOC Week this week, with the theme For Our Elders.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said First Nations Elders, including Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples, played an important role and held a prominent place in the community.
“Our traditional custodians are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders and so much more to our communities,” he said in a council media release.
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said NAIDOC celebrations would be held across the country to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples.
“Council, along with the local First Nations community, has a range of events and activities happening during the week, including First Nations exhibitions at Caloundra Regional Gallery and Maroochydore Library, as well as weaving, children’s storytelling and a bonfire at TribalLink in Mapleton,” he said.
Council will host an annual flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, July 5, at 9am, at the Nambour Library Forecourt.
“This event showcases the Sunshine Coast First Nations community by highlighting the significance of First Nations connection to Country, their values and their culture,” Cr Law said.
Australian film The Sapphires will be shown on Saturday, July 8, at Sunshine Coast Stadium, with gates opening from 5.30pm to start at 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Libraries.
See NAIDOC Week for more information and to download the guide for all activities and events.
Events will also be held around the country this week.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme invited people “to recognise the important role that Elders play in our communities and reflect on the generations of wisdom and guidance that they have gifted to us and that is shaping our future”.
“This NAIDOC Week, Queensland communities will come alive with lights, community events and celebrations as we continue to build respectful relationships between Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the wider community,” she said.
State MP Leeanne Enoch said NAIDOC Week was “a special time of year”.
“All Queenslanders can come together to celebrate the unique histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our state,” she said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and cultures represent thousands of generations of stories, connections and caring for Country, and it is an honour to celebrate the remarkable strength of the oldest continuous living cultures in the world.
“As we move forward together on the Path to Treaty, our government is firmly committed to reframing the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Queenslanders to build a prosperous, equitable future for all.”
