More than 300 delegates representing 150 Traditional Owner bodies from across the continent and the Torres Strait met from 15 to 17 September 2025, at The National Gathering in Port Douglas.
Delegates explored the need for a national representative body, considered different governance models, and learned from international speakers.
Three next steps were agreed:
- Delegates will take the discussions had at The National Gathering back to their communities and Peoples.
- Delegates support in principle the establishment of a new national body.
- The Council of First Nations team will develop a toolkit for delegates to take home to share the discussions of this gathering and carry this forward with the regions.
Delegates at The National Gathering will now engage their communities about the scope and representative structure of the national organisation. The approach will respect the independence of each Nation while building unified purpose and strength.
This article was the official communique from The National Gathering on 17 September 2025.