The QPS Academy in Oxley has marked NAIDOC Week with a ceremony recognising First Nations and Torres Strait Islander officers and their service across generations.
The Queensland Police Service held a flag-raising ceremony and cultural performance at the academy on 7 July 2026, bringing together staff, Elders, community members and guests.
The event acknowledged the histories, cultures, customs and ongoing achievements of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
Oxley NAIDOC Ceremony Recognises Service
The 2026 NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks five decades of NAIDOC and recognises the people and communities who have helped shape the movement.
At Oxley, the ceremony also acknowledged First Nations and Torres Strait Islander officers who have served in QPS, those continuing that work, and future generations.
Their leadership, cultural knowledge and service were recognised as part of the role they have played in Queensland policing and in relationships between police and communities.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM addressed the gathering and reflected on changes within QPS across the five decades of NAIDOC.
His remarks focused on the contribution of First Nations members, continued work with First Nations communities, and the importance of cultural understanding within the service.
First Nations Officers Past and Present Acknowledged
First Nations Division Executive Director Alan Dewis also spoke at the ceremony, recognising the strength of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
He acknowledged early First Nations officers, current members and the generations who may follow them into policing.
The ceremony also included the story of Detective Sergeant Paul Renouf, from Hendra Criminal Investigation Branch.
Detective Sergeant Renouf is one of two serving sons of the first commissioned First Nations woman from the Kamilaroi people. He followed his mother into policing and described her career as a major influence on his own life and service.
His mother’s career was described through her relationships with colleagues and communities, her leadership, her role as a mentor and the care she showed to people around her, including during difficult periods in the job.
Family Story Adds Local Focus at Oxley
Detective Sergeant Renouf’s family connection formed part of the ceremony’s recognition of First Nations representation in policing.
He described being surrounded by strong First Nations and Torres Strait Islander leaders within policing and across the community.
He also spoke about future generations continuing to recognise the contributions of those who came before them.
QPS also has a First Nations Recruit Preparation Pathway at the Queensland Police Service Academy.
The six-week full-time course is designed for First Nations applicants, with successful participants potentially gaining direct entry into recruit training.
QPS said it would continue recognising First Nations and Torres Strait Islander officers, listening to community voices and strengthening relationships with communities.
During NAIDOC Week, the service acknowledged Elders past and present, officers who have shaped QPS, and the generations who may continue that work.
Published 8-July-2026
