NAIDOC Week events

Bushland Holiday Program: Wayapa Wuurrk
Join Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian Brianna Hanson for a Wayapa experience. This is an earth connection practice that is based on ancient Indigenous wisdom that focuses on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating earth, mind, body and spirit well-being.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time:  9am – 10.30am
Where: Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, 51 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha 
Suitable for children aged 10+ years. Check out the Facebook event page for further information.  Tickets essential, please purchase your ticket via Eventbrite.

Caloundra Health Service NAIDOC Celebration
Date: Monday, July 8
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Where: Caloundra Health Service BBQ Courtyard, 2 West Terrace, Caloundra  QLD  4551
Please RSVP by contacting the Cultural Practice Program team on 0414 491 641 or email [email protected]

Yarnup with Aunty Jude Hammond - Galleries Curator Talk
Come along for some great insights about the Contemporary Songlines exhibition and project with Aunty Jude's Yarnup. Find out about the project intent, action and future vision of the project and Bangarra for First Nations youth, and our community.
Date: Monday, July 8
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Ave, Caloundra
Registration is essential.  Book your free ticket via humanitix.

Sunshine Coast Council’s NAIDOC 2024 Flag Raising
Hosted at the Nambour Library Forecourt, the NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony 2024 will include special First Nations performances and presentations. This civic event showcases the Sunshine Coast First Nations community by highlighting the significance of First Nations connection to Country, their values and their culture.
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Nambour Library Forecourt, Corner of Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour 
Free event, please register via Eventbrite

Suncare NAIDOC Event
Suncare invites you to join them in recognising the culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. Participate in a range of activities, including painting your very own mug, jewellery making workshop with Aunty Paula and indulge in an array of Indigenous delicacies throughout the event.
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm
Where: Suncare Community Centre, 2-8 George Street, Maroochydore 
Please RSVP by 26 June 2024 by calling 1800 786 227.

Nambour Hospital NAIDOC Celebration
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Where: Nambour General Hospital (Kakadu Pagoda), Hospital Road, Nambour
Please RSVP by contacting the Cultural Practice Program team on 0414 491 641 or email [email protected]

Caloundra Community Centre - Keep the Fire Burning
Keep the Fire Burning with Caloundra Community Centre's NAIDOC Week celebration.  Share, listen and learn with First Nations workshops, stalls, smoking ceremony, ‘Murri's Got Talent’ talent show, free woodfired pizza and much more!
Date: Thursday, July 11
Time: 10am - 2pm
Where: Caloundra Community Centre, 58A Queen Street, Caloundra 
Please RSVP by contacting Dana on 0493 597 302 or email [email protected]

Sunshine Coast University Hospital NAIDOC Celebration
Date: Thursday, July 11
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Where: Sunshine Coast University Hospital (Main Entry Way), 6 Doherty Street, Birtinya 
Please RSVP by contacting the Cultural Practice Program Team on 0414 491 641 or email [email protected] 

Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital NAIDOC Celebration
Date: Friday, July 12
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Where: Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital (Giraba Pagoda), 17 Bean Street, Maleny
Please RSVP by contacting the Cultural Practice Program team on 0414 491 641 or email [email protected]

First Nations Dyungungoo digital interactive and immersive experience
Using an Xbox gaming console, participants interact with the First Nations people they meet on a journey of survival prior to European settlement.
When: July 10-14
Time: 10am-3pm
Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains
More information on Council’s Heritage website.

Self-Guided Tour – Bark Canoe and documentary
See the canoe built by Lyndon Davis, Brent Miller, Nathan Morgan and Kerry Jones using the traditional skills and traditions of bark canoe making. Watch the short video discussing the project’s national significance and value to the community.
When:  July 10-14
Time: 10am-3pm
Where: Landsborough Museum, 4 Maleny Street Landsborough
More information on Council’s Heritage website.

Jinibara digital stories with Aunty Edna and Uncle Noel
Hear inspiring stories from local First Nations elders on the brilliant big screen at City Hall which measures a whopping 7.68 metres long x 1.08m high. The two short films are around 5 minutes in length each and will play on repeat throughout NAIDOC Week.
When: July 8-12
Time: 8.30am-4.30pm
Where: City Hall, 54 First Avenue, Maroochydore 

GATHAA First Nations NAIDOC Family Market
Get ready to immerse yourself in the NAIDOC theme "Keep the Fire Burning, Blak, Loud and Proud" as Forest Glen Village transforms into a vibrant showcase of First Nations excellence at GATHAA Markets. Share in a day brimming with live cultural and contemporary performances, the flavours of bushfoods, and a celebration of art and culture. Engage in hands-on workshops that honour tradition, from yarning circles to bushfood tastings and artistic demonstrations. Meet our passionate First Nations stallholders, showcasing a diverse array of creations, from incredible artworks to fashionable streetwear, handmade jewellery, botanical skincare and gorgeous homewares and more.
Date:  Sunday, July 28
Time:  9am – 2.30pm
Where:  Forest Glen Village, 354 Mons Road Forest Glen 
Everyone is welcome, and entry is free.  Check out the GATHAA Markets Facebook page for further information.  Workshop bookings must be made on the GATHAA webpage.

Creating connections together with Coolamon making
This workshop is for adults to create an individual Coolamon from air-dried clay. Together in the group, under the guidance of Aunty Jude and Aunty Leighanne, participants will carve out their own designs and symbols that best represent them into their Coolamon. Inspiration will be drawn from the exhibition, their own heritage and cultural stories shared during the workshop.
Date:  Friday, August 2
Time:  4.30pm – 7pm
Where:  Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Ave, Caloundra
Tickets essential, please purchase your ticket via humantix.

Handmade Coolamon Workshops
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tradition of creating coolamon clay pots. Engage in inspiring conversations with Aunty Jude Hammond as you craft your art piece. Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with air-dry clay, shaping and moulding your unique pot. Take home a one-of-a-kind coolamon, crafted by your own hands.
When: August 6 and August 13
Time: 11am-1.30pm
Where: Nambour and Maroochydore Libraries
Tickets: $25 per person. To buy tickets and for more information visit Council’s Libraries website.

Wan’Diny NAIDOC Family Fun Day
Date:  Saturday, October 19
Time:  9am – 3pm
Where:  Black Swan Park Cotton Tree, The Esplanade, Maroochydore 
Keep an eye on the Wan’diny NAIDOC Facebook event for details coming soon.  If you would like to be involved, please email [email protected].

Online Sunshine Coast First Nations stories
Watch video interviews with our local First Nations people talking about their personal experiences, art, and history.

Online Sunshine Coast First Nations stories
Online map and research report about local First Nations place names. View the map online or at Libraries and Glass House Mountains Visitor Centre.

Check out Council’s website for event details, more information and a list of other NAIDOC Week activities planned across the Sunshine Coast.