First Nations and Kabi Kabi Commitment

Noosa Council acknowledges the Kabi Kabi Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and seas of the Noosa region, and pays respect to Elders past and present. We also acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from many Nations who call Noosa home and recognise the strength and resilience of the world's oldest continuing culture.

Guided by the Kabi Kabi Commitment, Noosa Council is committed to working alongside the Kabi Kabi Peoples and the broader First Nations community to protect and enhance the lands and waters of Noosa, and to build respectful relationships that empower First Nations that are living, working and visiting the region.

Kabi Kabi Commitment

In September 2024 Council signed an historic commitment to sustainable custodianship of the lands and waters of Noosa, in partnership with Kabi Kabi People's Aboriginal Corporation (KKPAC).

As part of the world’s oldest continuing culture, the Kabi Kabi have been living sustainably in the Noosa Shire for over 30,000 years, caring for the lands and waters that we all call home.

Kabi Kabi Peoples’ relationship with the land is based on the notion for custodianship of Country, protecting, sustainably managing, and regenerating natural systems that we rely on for healthy food, clean water, fresh air, medicine, culture, shelter and recreation.

This Commitment between Noosa Council and the Kabi Kabi People acknowledges Noosa’s First Nations people and their deep cultural and spiritual connection to the natural systems that sustain us.

Contact us

Have a question about Council's First Nations partnerships, projects or initiatives? Get in touch with with us via Email: firstnations@noosa.qld.gov.au

What's happening - First Nations events in Noosa & surrounding areas

National NAIDOC Week 5-11 July 2026

NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia each July, bringing people together to recognise and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity to learn, listen and celebrate First Nations culture through community events, storytelling, art, music and shared experiences.

This year NAIDOC marks 50 years of national celebrations. The 2026 theme, Fifty Years of Deadly celebrates the strength, pride and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past five decades. It acknowledges the generations of Elders, families, artists, advocates and communities whose voices have helped shape the journey, while looking ahead to a future where culture continues to thrive.

There are many ways to get involved across Noosa and surrounding regions. Whether you are attending a community event, visiting a local library, supporting a First Nations business, or learning more about local history, everyone is welcome to take part in NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week at Noosa Libraries

All week at Noosaville and Cooroy Libraries. Visit your local library during NAIDOC Week and enjoy:

Book displays featuring First Nations authors

NAIDOC colouring-in for all ages

NAIDOC Week displays in all library branches

Find out more

Weaving and Botanicals with Munimba-ja and Blak Botanics

Saturday 11 July | 1pm–5pm
Noosaville Library

Join Quandamooka weavers Braelyn Rolf Chase and Lola Harward from Munimba-ja, along with Nadine McDonald-Dowd from Blak Botanics, for a hands-on workshop combining weaving and native botanicals.Suitable for ages 15 and over.

Book now (tickets limited)

Place of Crowes – Online

Take time during NAIDOC Week to watch Place of Crowes, a short film sharing the stories of descendants of Kabi Kabi Elders Willie Crowe and Emma Dunne.

Produced by Noosa Council and filmmaker James Muller, the film explores identity, family, resilience and connection to Country.

Watch on YouTube

Visit Deadly Espresso Cafe

187 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville

Support a local First Nations business during NAIDOC Week. Grab a coffee, breakfast or lunch from Teri and the team at Deadly Espresso in Noosaville.

Deadly Espresso is a welcoming café and social enterprise operated by SevGen, featuring native ingredients, bush tucker-inspired flavours and First Nations art.

Support local Indigenous businesses

NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to support Indigneous businesses in your local area.

Browse Australia's largest directory of Indigenous businesses through Supply Nation.

Visit Supply Nation

NAIDOC Family Fun Day

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

Come and celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Everyone is invited to celebrate, learn and share in this community event.

The day will include live performances from First Nations artists and community, markets, music, cultural workshops and storytelling.

NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony

Tuesday 7 July | 10am–12pm

Nambour Library Forecourt

Celebrate the start of NAIDOC Week with Sunshine Coast Council's annual flag raising ceremony.

Wear Your Culture – 50 Years of Deadly

Tuesday 7 July | 1pm–3pm
Nambour Community Centre

Make something to wear and show your support for 50 years of NAIDOC. Badge making, community bunting, lino printing and afternoon tea - this is a free community event, everyone is welcome! This NAIDOC Week Activity is delivered with funding support from the National Indigenous Australian’s Agency.

Find out more

Undumbi Culture NAIDOC-Festival of the Harvest

Saturday 11 July | 1pm–5pm |
Baringa Forest Park *FREE EVENT*

Undumbi Culture are hosting Festival of the Harvest on Kabi Kabi Country, a free. This vibrant community event brings people together through music, dance, storytelling, bush tucker and hands-on cultural experiences. Enjoy performances, Indigenous markets, live music and fun kids’ activities including art, games, face painting and dance. A celebration of culture, connection and community—everyone is welcome.

Exhibitions

Old Ways, New Marks
26 May – 11 July | Maroochydore Library Artspace

Led by respected Jinibara artist Jennifer Kent and featuring the First Nations Screenprint Collective, Old Ways, New Marks showcases contemporary screen-print works by emerging First Nations artists. The show pulses with stories of culture, identity, resilience and resistance.

Find out more

LORE and LAND

3 July – 16 August | Caloundra Regional Gallery

LORE and LAND reveals First Nations artists’ enduring relationships with land, culture and community while confronting dispossession, colonisation and ongoing struggles for justice and sovereignty. The works affirm cultural resilience and continuity. Audiences are invited to engage with cultural geographies shaped by story and responsibility, celebrating First Nations strength and urging recognition of their rights and custodianship.

Find out more