Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony
Since 2006, the RSL Queensland Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony has been held annually to coincide with National Reconciliation Week.
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.
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.
2025 Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony
Join us in person or online to honour Australia’s Indigenous service people, past and present.
Date and time
Saturday 31 May 2025 | 10am AEST
Location
Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph, 119 Esplanade, Cairns (Gimuy)
My passion comes from serving and protecting my country. [In the Torres Strait] Indigenous veterans were our role models, and we honour them because of our culture.
- Uncle Phillip Bowie
, Navy Indigenous Elder
This memorial service is a light shining on our national journey towards reconciliation. A strong, united nation that acknowledges all those that have served in its defence.
- Ray Rosendale CSM
, Navy veteran
Sharing yarns
