Welcome to
DJABUGAY ABORIGINAL CORPORATIONS
NEWS:
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, Djabugay Aboriginal Corporations temporarily closed its doors to the public from Monday 23 March 2020, and all general business, public and program activity has been put on hold. However, our staff continue to work from home, and can be contacted via mobile on: 0448 823 153 or email: info@djabugay.org.au.
We hope you all continue to look out for one another & those most vulnerable in our communities, abide by the government health directives, and stay safe in the midst of these trying times.
In the meantime, enjoy a little light reading about the recent rangers' conference we co-hosted.....
The Indigenous Land & Sea Rangers Conference 2020 – A GREAT SUCCESS…
Djabugay Aboriginal Corporations and the Djabugay Bulmba Rangers proudly hosted over 100 Indigenous rangers at this year’s Queensland Indigenous Land & Sea Rangers Conference.
Partnering with the Queensland Government Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program (ILSRP) to co-host the event at Tjapukai Cultural Park from the 10th to the 12th of March, the event was deemed a great success.
“Enjoyed the whole workshop”
“Well organised”
Sharing his knowledge and experience in Land Management, Djabugay’s Project Manager, Barry Hunter, facilitated the 3 day conference and also present a number of the workshops. Being held in Queensland’s Year of Indigenous Tourism, the program included several sessions exploring rangers’ involvement and varied roles in tourism ventures, in addition to workshops on indigenous-led research, health & wellbeing, social media & public speaking.
A group fitness session of ‘Zumba’, a spear and boomerang throwing competition, and a dance performance by the Tjapukai Cultural Park dancers, were well-received additions to the program; keeping everyone entertained, joyous and fit.
“Very informative, well run”
“I really learnt about all the sessions we did, because I’m only just started as a ranger, thanks guys”
Aimed at bringing together ranger teams from across Queensland to share and broaden their understanding of conservation and land management approaches, the conference is seen as a major form of learning and development for those ‘on the ground’. With rangers from the Torres Strait to Stradbroke island, the forum also offers a great opportunity for networking with other indigenous groups and those working in land management and associated fields.
This year’s conference theme, ‘More than a Ranger’, was explored through exchange of ideas, knowledge, skills and experiences by industry professionals, academic minds, cultural custodians and ranger groups.
“Too deadly, one big ranger family”
“Deadly couple of days, meeting and sharing our stories, work etc.”
Wednesday’s program included a special Training & Development session which saw over 25 Rangers visit Nyawarri Estate for our “From Bush to Buffet” session. Planned to showcase our aspirations for a bush food and resource garden to retain cultural practices and explore economic culinary opportunities, the session opened with a ‘Welcome to Country’ by Errol Hunter and Rhonda Brim. This was followed by informative talks:
- • Djabugay traditional bush food talk – by Dennis Hunter
- • Jumbun Bushfood Venture’s journey in developing their native jams, sauce and syrups business – by Nicole Huxley
- • Native plant use in Djabugay traditional dilly bag and basket making – by Rhonda Duffin, Andy Duffin and Rhonda Brim
The group enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch based on local resourcing and native ingredients before heading back to the conference in Smithfield.
“Great”
“Too deadly”
The Wednesday evening conference Dinner gave the attendees an opportunity to mingle in a more social setting during the buffet meal and awards ceremony. Emceed by Mark Sheppard, the room was kept entertained with his array of murri-fashioned jokes and local comedy.
Highlighting the healing impacts of their work, the Hon. Leeanne Enoch, (Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minster for Science and Minister for the Arts), thanked the rangers for the positive impact their culture and specialised knowledge of country bought to land management and conservation. Her encouraging words obviously resonating with the group, who could be seen yarning and taking photos with her throughout the night.
Djabugay Aboriginal Corporations gave a public thanks to Minister Enoch and to the ILSRP Team before the night concluded with a handover to Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, who will co-host the next conference in 2021.
“Enjoyed the whole theme and venue, including the food and services !”
“Everything was excellent”
The final day offered to local ‘indigenous tourism’ field trip experiences: Mossman Gorge and Kuranda.
Our Bulmba Ranger team led the Kuranda field trip up on the Skyrail to 'The Edge Lookout', where Dennis Hunter shared the significance of the Barron Falls to the Djabugay people. The group were then free to explore the tourism experience of Kuranda shops, markets & cafes, before they embarked on a guided tour of Jumrum Creek with Errol Hunter. Regardless of the rain, the forty-plus group enjoyed the experience, which finished with our Ranger team accompanying them back on the Kuranda Scenic train to Freshwater station.
“Deadly time, deadly and powerful mob, enjoyed every minute of it (5 star) *****”
“Keep up the good work!”
Djabugay Aboriginal Corporations would like to thank the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program team for all their guidance and assistance with the program development, logistic and travel coordination and general event management and co-hosting. This collaboration highlights the positive relationships being built between Indigenous organisations and the ILSR Program across the state.
We would also like to thank all the attendees; it was wonderful to have you, and a pleasure to share in your insights, experiences and stories.Take care... Garru
Photos courtesy of:
ILSRP©Queensland Government & Djabugay Aboriginal Corporations