Up in the Wet Tropics region of North Queensland, on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country, a sacred conservation space lies.
Wawu Dimbi – meaning “place of inner spirit” in Yalanji language – is a significant cultural site for the Eastern Yalanji people.
Spanning over 176.43 hectares, Wawu Dimbi holds several important wetlands and vegetation connecting to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, providing a habitat for endangered species.
Today is a landmark moment in Wawu Dimbi’s history, as it will be divested to the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC), from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
To date, JYAC has successfully managed several Elder events, ranger activities, revegetation programs, as well as youth justice and cultural initiatives on Wawu Dimbi.
These include JYAC’s On Healing Country Camp, which awakens the spiritual awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths, as well as the JYAC Sea Country Program, which fosters sustainable land and sea management practices in the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Sea Country.
JYAC has visionary plans for the future of Wawu Dimbi, which will address dispossession, rectify social problems and enhance economic opportunities within the region.
Several key projects are set to be initiated, such as reafforesting Wawu Dimbi and building additional housing onsite, allowing for long-term accommodation for Eastern Kuku Yalanji members.
Indigenous cultural eco-tourism is vital within the region – and once the land is returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners – JYAC’s tourism ventures such as the Jabalbina visitor centre and the Jabalbina tour bus operation will boom.
JYAC Chief Operations Officer and Senior Ranger Kallum Clarke said this divestment is a step in the right direction to making a positive impact on the prosperity and pride of Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, who now are on the path to achieving self-determination.
“It is the realisation of the aspirations of our old people who didn’t want to leave Daintree mission but were forced to. It is so important we now have this property to go back home,” said Mr Clarke.
“I’ve been thinking about what it means to our Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bama that after 30 plus years of changing in management/caretaking Wawu Dimbi will finally be fully returned to our people.”
The land was originally lobbied back in the late 70s early 80s by our Elders at that time, to try and help Bama return to live on Daintree River. To do farming and other aspirations those old people had for future generations. However, through the several changes of management and caretakers there was no proper business planning designed and executed. There was one drawn up, but it never went anywhere from there.
“There has already been significant reforestation on the property in the past, but it is a great opportunity to continue to regenerate the rainforests that once stood there, having a place for our Bama to return to for holidays, eventually be able to permanently live, and for further economic opportunities.”
“Some aspirations for the property include to continue our Junior Rangers program, collaborate with other community organisations to have Cultural camps, create tourism through cultural tours and small scale hiking and camping plus many more,” said Laurel Denman, JYAC Vice Chairperson.
ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, noted the significance of this divestment, given the ILSC’s long history with the property for the past 20 years.
“Wawu Dimbi has finally been returned to its rightful Traditional Owners, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, who will manage and care for this Country in a respectful and profound way,” said Mr Morrison.
“We know this divestment will only lead to greater successes and promising outcomes for Wawu Dimbi, JYAC and the local community.
“Witnessing this sacred land be divested into the capable hands of JYAC is an honour. I sincerely congratulate JYAC on this long-awaited and well-deserved achievement”.
Wawu Dimbi is located at 941 Forest Creek Road, Forest Creek QLD 4873 and is approximately 40 kms from Mossman, Queensland.
