Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that the following content may depict or refer to individuals who have died.
Recognising Indigenous service and legacy
The Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony acknowledges 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 rights and entitlements as other Australians who fought for their country, at the same time, in the same wars.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of RSL Queensland hosting the annual ceremony to recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have served and sacrificed in Australia’s armed forces.
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.
2026 Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony
Join us in person or online to honour Australia’s Indigenous service people, past and present.
Date and time
Saturday 30 May 2026 | 11am AEST
Location
Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph, 119 Esplanade, Cairns (Gimuy)
- Uncle Phillip Bowie,
Navy Indigenous Elder
- Ray Rosendale CSM,
Navy veteran