Kalwun Development Corporation wrapped up its largest NAIDOC Week program to date after hosting six events across the Gold Coast.
Hundreds of people attended activities held under the 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, including a Flag Raising Ceremony, Colour Run, Community Day, Elders and Seniors Luncheon, Trivia Night and Celebration March.
Celebrations began with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the City Council Chambers in Surfers Paradise, attended by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
The ceremony included performances by Biren Aboriginal Cultural Group and a Welcome to Country from Kombumerri Elder Uncle John Graham.
Yugarapul man and Kalwun chief executive, Kieran Chilcott, said the event formed part of the continuing reconciliation process.
"Reconciliation isn't a destination, it's a journey and this is part of that journey," Mr Chilcott told Nine News Gold Coast.
"Having a day like this where everybody feels welcomed and comfortable to be able to come along and be involved in all that we have to offer and ask the questions they may have burning; [this event] provides an outlet for that and we've got so many people here that are willing to share their knowledge and share their culture."
Children and families later gathered at Country Parklands Oval in Nerang for Kalwun's Colour Run, which brought First Nations and non-Indigenous young people together.
Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other community members then attended the NAIDOC Community Day at the Gold Coast Sports Precinct in Carrara.
The event provided a culturally safe space for local First Nations people to connect, while allowing non-Indigenous visitors to engage with community and learn about culture.
Community Day opened with performances from Karem Bau Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group and Biren Aboriginal Cultural Group, followed by a Welcome to Country from Kombumerri man Uncle John Graham.
The event also allowed local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to showcase their products and services.
Support included 14 sponsors and more than 70 stallholders, which Kalwun said was essential to delivering community-led and culturally safe events.
Community members also reflected on the importance of NAIDOC Week for cultural pride and education.
"NAIDOC is a celebration for us as Indigenous people, and it's also about sharing awareness around our fight and why we're still here to non-Indigenous people," one attendee said.
"I think that it's important for all of us as community, especially the young ones, to come together to celebrate and acknowledge their culture and where they come from, and their history."
Kalwun continued the program with an Elders and Seniors Luncheon and Trivia Night for people who use or engage with its services.
The week ended with hundreds of community members joining the NAIDOC Celebration March through Coolangatta.
The march began at Queen Elizabeth Park, crossed the New South Wales border and finished at Chris Cunningham Park, where Gold Coast participants joined the Tweed Heads community for a Corroboree.
Performances were held by Biren Aboriginal Cultural Group, Karem Bau Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group and the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers.
Mr Chilcott, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive Leweena Williams and young community members also spoke about the year's theme.
Coodjinburra ARIA Award-winning artist Budjerah performed a song created for 50 Years of Deadly, encouraging young people to be proud of their cultural identity and continue as the next generation of storytellers.
