Community gathers for flag raising and cultural celebrations

The Sunshine Coast is invited to come together for NAIDOC Week, with a vibrant program of events and activities happening across the region throughout July. 

NAIDOC Week is on from 5 to 12 July and celebrates the histories, cultures and achievements of First Nations peoples. 

Residents and visitors will find everything from celebrations and cultural experiences to exhibitions, workshops and community gatherings in the NAIDOC Regional Guide. 

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said NAIDOC Week was an opportunity for the whole community to come together in a spirit of respect, learning and recognition. 

“NAIDOC Week is a time for our everyone to celebrate the stories, strength and achievements of First Nations peoples,” Mayor Natoli said. 

“It is also an opportunity to recognise the enduring cultures and deep knowledge of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples, the Traditional Custodians of this region, whose connection to Country continues to shape the identity of the Sunshine Coast.” 

Discover NAIDOC Week events near you via the regional guide.

Flag Raising Ceremony

A highlight of the events program is Council’s annual NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony. 

Held Tuesday, 7 July, 10am to 12pm at the Nambour Library Forecourt, this free event will feature moving speeches, cultural performances and hands-on activities celebrating this year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’. 

Mayor Natoli will open the event, followed by performances by Gubbi Gubbi Dance and speeches by First Nations community leaders. 

The event concludes with the official raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. 

Free activities follow the flag raising, with rock painting, weaving and jarjum’s (children’s) activities by Munimba-ja Arts Centre and GATHAA First Nations Markets. 

Coffee and refreshments will be available from Deadly Espresso and Hooper’s Tucker. 

Nambour Library is located on the Corner of Currie and Bury Streets, just a short walk from Nambour Station (with affordable 50 cent train fares). 

Explore the accessibility guide, to “know before you go” and plan your visit. 

View full event details and register your attendance for updates.

What’s On: NAIDOC Week highlights

Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Family Fun Day

Sunday, 5 July, 10am–4pm | Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Caloundra | Free event 

A family-friendly day of live performances, markets, music, cultural workshops and storytelling. 

Young people aged 12 to 18 years can also take part in the Murri’s Got Talent showcase. 

Event details and registration 

NAIDOC Week activities at Sunshine Coast Libraries

4–11 July, 10am–12.30pm | Various locations | Free event 

Join in fun activities including botanical eco-printing, dot art and curated book displays. 

Drop in to your local library to take part. 

Event details and locations 

LORE and LAND: First Nations artists in the Art Collection

3 July to 16 August | Caloundra Regional Gallery | Free exhibition 

Explore works by First Nations artists from the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, sharing stories of cultural knowledge, connection to Country, custodianship and resilience. 

This powerful exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the living strength and continuity of First Nations culture. 

Exhibition details

50 Years of Deadly

This year’s national theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks a major milestone, celebrating five decades of proud, unyielding First Nations voices. 

The theme is a powerful acknowledgment of the resilience, pride and leadership of First Nations communities. 

It honours the Elders, organisers, artists and community groups who have carried NAIDOC forward over five decades. 

During NAIDOC Week, we honour the past, empower the present and carry forward a future of culture, identity and continued resistance led by community. 

Learn more about NAIDOC Week via Council’s website.