Flags raised outside Police Headquarters for NAIDOC celebrations

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart attended a flag raising ceremony at Police Headquarters today in recognition of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).

A breakfast was held after the ceremony where this year’s theme for NAIDOC Week, Because of Her, We Can! was celebrated.

The theme acknowledges the invaluable contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made and continue to make to their communities, families and their history to our nation.

Minister Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government wanted to both pay tribute to those successes and reaffirm friendships.

“This year’s NAIDOC week theme, Because of Her, We Can! lets us celebrate the vital contribution of Aboriginal women and Torres Strait Islander women to their communities, families and our nation as a whole.

“We recognise the inspiration and pride drawn from those women who came before and the work and leadership of Indigenous Australian women today, paving the way for future generations to thrive.”

“NAIDOC Week is a time to come together and celebrate the oldest continuing cultures on earth and to acknowledge the significant contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made to our country and our society,” Minister Ryan said.

Commissioner Stewart said today’s flag raising ceremony was an opportunity for members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and government representatives to come together to share in a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

“Our flag raisers today; Detective Senior Sergeant Sam Bliss and Ms Jenna Lee of the Larrakia people, have made significant contributions to their communities and we are grateful to have them here with us,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“It is through the strong leadership and cooperative effort of people like our flag raisers, and others with a passion for engagement, that the relationship between the QPS, government and community continues to be more collaborative and productive.

“We are determined to use experience and relationships with the community and stakeholders to find long term, sustainable solutions to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantages.

“We will continue to work with the government and the community to progress strategic goals, including the continuation of our recruitment strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people,” the Commissioner said.

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office:                                                       Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media:                                                                       Ph: (07) 3015 2444