Today, the Yirrganydji people were witnesses to a major community milestone – the official opening of the Yirrganydji Collective Hub in Stratford, Queensland.
Held on Yirrganydji Country, the hub is managed by the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation (DWAC), an Aboriginal Traditional Owner owned and governed community organisation.
The new multi-purpose hub is a landmark achievement, bringing with it enhanced social, economic, environmental and cultural opportunities for the community, solely funded by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
In the next five years, the hub is expected to employ an estimated 50 new staff, offer research, education, training and professional development initiatives in Aboriginal cultural knowledge and its applied sciences, relevant employment opportunities and work experience to approximately 350 prospective individuals.
Importantly, Yirrganydji people will be active custodians, guardians, teachers and advocates of their own traditional land and sea Country, while being drivers of continuous change through collaborative partnership arrangements to achieve effective and meaningful outcomes.
Set in a prime location within Stratford, the hub also allows DWAC to celebrate living culture in a culturally safe place, empowering today’s generation of First Nations peoples for their futures tomorrow.
Dr. Mercy Singleton (PhD Society and Culture), Director of Research and Engagement Services, DWAC, said the day was a significant moment for Dawul Wuru and the community.
“Today we celebrate Dawul Wuru’s major achievement after 15 years of operations, in securing its own place and space to action its business agenda,” said Dr Singleton.
“We are sincerely committed to embracing, owning and caring for this special place, Bidkarra, meaning for Stratford.
“We celebrate with Biri, Fire Lighting, to spark and lighten up our journey with our people and partners into tomorrows’ future.”
An opening ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion, including a Welcome to Country, Welcome Dance as well as a small fire to reflect on the community’s ancestors, elders (both past and present), and staff members that have passed.
The divestment ceremony was attended by various project partners, including ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison.
“The Yirrganydji Collective Hub is just one example of First Nations peoples’ deep connection to Country, which ultimately represents our culture, life and a way of working,” said Mr Morrison.
“DWAC’s dedication to the hub is a true success, leading to enhanced self-determination and cultural resilience for the Yirrganydji people.
“The ILSC is honoured to have funded the project. We look forward to the inspiring outcomes the hub will bring. The future is bright for the Yirrganydji community.”
The multi-purpose hub will provide greater capacity and purposeful spaces for DWAC to service the community and focus on its expansion into the future.
Furthermore, the hub will strengthen DWAC’s ability to run several of its key partners environmentally focussed programs.
These include the Yirrganydji Living STEM Award, the Yirrganydji Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreement (TUMRA), Great Barrier Reef Legacy Forever Reef Hub, Coral Bio Bank and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), JCU.
