First Nations
First Nations Community in Gympie Region
Gympie Regional Council pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians of the land within the Gympie region local government area:
- the Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi which includes the majority of Country within the Gympie region local government area
- the Wakka Wakka in the west of Gympie region
- the Butchulla people in the north-east of the Gympie region.
Council also acknowledges all First Nations people who live in the Gympie region and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Important Annual Events
Sorry Day 26 May
On 26 May 1997 the landmark Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Federal Parliament. The report captured the findings and recommendations from the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families. Copies of the report are available through Gympie Regional Libraries or on-line. National Sorry Day is held on 26 May each year to commemorate the anniversary of the report and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.
Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year - 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and High Court Mabo decision respectively.
NAIDOC Week
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. For more information about NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au
Gympie NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony
Join traditional owners and community to raise the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags and celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025.
This year’s Flag Raising will be held at Nelson Reserve, on Monday 7 July from 83.0am – 9.30am For more details, please visit [insert link to event]
NAIDOC Family Fun Day
Gympie NAIDOC Family Fun Day 2025 will be a celebration of The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Join in an afternoon of activities including basket weaving, Didge lessons and traditional games, and listen to music from deadly performers. For all the details, visit [insert link to event]