Published on 30 June 2026
Gympie Regional Council will mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week (5–12 July) with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony, celebrating First Nations cultures, history and achievements.
The 2026 NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at Nelson Reserve, Gympie, on Monday 6 July from 10am. The event will include a special smoking ceremony, address by local First Nations Elders, and the raising of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the ceremony provided an important opportunity for the community to come together to learn about, recognise and celebrate First Nations peoples.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have played an important role in shaping our region and continue to make a valuable contribution to our communities today. This event gives our community an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate those contributions,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“Each year I attend Council’s NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony, and what stays with me are the powerful stories shared by Kabi Kabi, Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka and Butchulla Elders about their connection to Country.
“I encourage residents to come along to Nelson Reserve for the Flag Raising Ceremony and stay afterwards for the free Family Fun Day hosted by the Gympie Murri Network, featuring First Nations music and dance, cultural workshops, and activities for children and families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate NAIDOC Week and connect with community.”
NAIDOC Week 2026 will be celebrated from 5 to 12 July under the theme “50 Years of Deadly”, celebrating the strength, culture, achievements and enduring contributions that have sustained the NAIDOC movement over the past fifty years.
For more information, visit: www.gympie.qld.gov.au/flag-raising
Event details
What: NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony
When: Monday 6 July 2026, from 10am
Where: Nelson Reserve, Gympie
Cost: Free