Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that the following content may depict or refer to individuals who have died.
2025 Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony
Saturday 31 May
The 2025 Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony will acknowledge the contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have served or sacrificed for Australia.
It has often been overlooked that many Indigenous veterans were denied the same entitlements as other Australians who fought for their country, at the same time, in the same wars.
The Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony is an important opportunity to remind us of this injustice. The event also aims to create a deeper understanding of our military history, and deeper recognition of all who served, by helping to tell this story.
Ceremony Details
Since 2006, the RSL Queensland Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony has been held annually to coincide with National Reconciliation Week.
Join us in person or online to honour Australia’s Indigenous service people, past and present.
Date: Saturday 31 May 2025 | Time: 10am AEST
Location: Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph, 119 Esplanade, Cairns (Gimuy)
Please note the seating is limited.
SHARING YARNS
Indigenous Artist Captures Spirit of Remembrance
As we approach National Reconciliation Week, we look back to 2020 and a Beaudesert Indigenous artist who found a new spirit of remembrance through art.
Military Service in the Torres Strait
Torres Strait Islander veterans share the military history of their region and the contributions of Indigenous veterans since WWI.
Mentoring Future Indigenous Veterans
Aunty Frances Visini spends her days preparing Indigenous Defence recruits for life in the Navy. This is the story of her journey into this pioneering role.
A Proud Warrior Legacy
Navy veteran Marsat Ketchell, keynote speaker at the 2023 Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony, continues a proud warrior legacy.
Recognising Indigenous Service
First Nations Australians have served in our armed forces ever since Federation. But in many ways, they weren’t treated the same as other veterans.
Indigenous Memorial IMMORTALISES Service
As we approach National Reconciliation Week, we look back to 2022 and a memorial to honour indigenous service.
Indigenous Veterans' Gallery
Explore our gallery of Indigenous veterans and read the stories behind the photos. Proudly supplied by the State Library of Queensland.
