Queensland Police Service (QPS) has today marked the significance of NAIDOC Week with a flag raising ceremony and cultural performance at the QPS Academy in Oxley.
The event brought together staff, Elders, community members and guests to acknowledge the histories, cultures, customs and ongoing achievements of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
Each year, the NAIDOC Week theme has provided an opportunity to celebrate culture and honour resilience.
The 2026 NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks a significant milestone and recognises those who have helped shape and strengthen the movement over the past five decades.
For QPS, this milestone is an opportunity to acknowledge the First Nations and Torres Strait Islander officers who have served, those who continue to serve, and the lasting impact they have made across generations.
Their leadership, cultural knowledge and commitment have helped shape policing in Queensland and strengthened relationships between police and the communities they serve.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM reflected on the changes within the Service over the five decades of NAIDOC and acknowledged the important contribution First Nations members continue to make to policing across Queensland.
"NAIDOC Week provides an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made through strong relationships, shared understanding and ongoing collaboration with First Nations communities," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
"As we recognise 50 Years of Deadly, we also acknowledge the generations of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander people whose leadership, cultural knowledge and service have helped shape policing in Queensland and strengthen the way we serve our communities.
"Working alongside First Nations communities continues to inform and strengthen our Service, helping us build trust, enhance cultural capability and deliver better outcomes for the communities we serve."
First Nations Division Executive Director Alan Dewis said NAIDOC Week was a significant time for the Service to reflect on the legacy of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
"Today's flag raising ceremony is an opportunity to come together, reflect and acknowledge the strength of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities," Mr Dewis said.
"It is also a chance to recognise the officers who have paved the way, celebrate those continuing that legacy today, and honour the generations who will follow.
"I acknowledge the courage, leadership and resilience of those early trailblazers and recognise that their contributions will continue to influence and inspire the next generation of officers."
Detective Sergeant Paul Renouf from Hendra Criminal Investigation Branch is one of two serving sons of the first commissioned First Nations woman from the Kamilaroi people.
Following in his mother's footsteps, Detective Sergeant Renouf said her dedication to policing and the connections she built throughout her career shaped the person and officer he is today.
"Growing up with a mum in the Service had a huge influence on me," he said.
"I saw the way she built positive relationships, the respect she had from the people she worked with, and the impact she had on others.
"She was a leader, a mentor and a role model. She had challenging days and late nights, but she never let that take away from the way she cared for people and supported those around her."
Detective Sergeant Renouf said his mother's legacy extended beyond his own family and reflected the broader impact of First Nations representation in policing.
"I've been fortunate to be surrounded by strong First Nations and Torres Strait Islander leaders, both within policing and across the community," he said.
"I hope the next generation continues to embrace positive change, acknowledge the contributions of those who came before them, and continue building on that legacy."
QPS remains committed to recognising the valuable contributions of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander officers, listening to community voices, and continuing to grow as an organisation built on trust, respect and understanding.
Every community has stories worth sharing and during NAIDOC Week, QPS acknowledges the stories of Elders past and present, the officers who have shaped the Service, and the generations who will continue to carry this legacy forward.
