NAIDOC Week in Ipswich is focusing on walking together towards a better future, with consultation underway for an updated City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed themes of the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031, helping to ensure the Accord reflects the aspirations, priorities and experiences of First Nations peoples across Ipswich.
“NAIDOC Week is a significant time for Ipswich to celebrate culture, connection and community,” Mayor Harding said.
“It reminds us of the importance of listening, learning and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as we progress conversations for the next iteration of the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031.
“This year, NAIDOC Week highlights the theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, as an opportunity to look back over the past five decades of progress, and we pay tribute to the people and organisations in Ipswich working for positive outcomes in health, education, housing and much more.
“We also have an eye to the future as we encourage the community to contribute to the Indigenous Accord over the next five years by having their say.
“We invite the community to help shape the future of Ipswich City Council partnerships with First Nations residents, organisations, Traditional Owners and Elders as guided by the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031.”
Mayor Harding said the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031 will provide a framework for cooperation, collaboration and partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, guiding council’s commitment to reconciliation and improved community outcomes.
“Ipswich has a First Nations population of 5.5 per cent – higher than state and national averages – and we recognise our city as the traditional lands and waters of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul peoples of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group,” Mayor Harding said.
“Since 1999, the Indigenous Accord has helped guide council in strengthening partnerships with the community as we continue to work together towards reconciliation.
“The Accord has been the catalyst of several great initiatives for our city, including the Indigenous Soldiers Memorial at Ipswich RSL, the naming of Tulmur Place and our city’s newest landmark, the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place.
“Building on the foundations established through the Indigenous Accord 2020-2025, we want to hear from the community about how we can continue progressing our shared vision for Ipswich.”
For more information, including how to have your say on the City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord 2026-2031, visit Shape Your Ipswich.
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