Message from the NQ Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group Chair
“ Our customary knowledge and practices , Lores , and identities as Warrungnu , Nywaigi , Manbarra , Wulgurukaba , Bindal , Gugu Badhun , Gudjala , Juru , Birriah , Gia , Widi , Jangga , Wangan and Jagalingou , Bidjara , Yirendali , and Iningai Traditional Owners are inter-connected with our land and sea Country .
In the Burdekin Dry Tropics region , our people have endured extensive disruption , injustices , displacement , and inequalities since colonisation , with many Traditional Owners no longer living on or having access to their Country . Access to Country and revitalising connection to Country for our people is a strong priority for Traditional Owners in this region , along with caring for Country , reviving our cultural knowledge , cultural practices and having opportunities to share this knowledge with our younger generation on Country .
It is critical that Traditional Owners ’ knowledge is recognised and that we have leadership responsibilities and management roles for Country , that we get active out on Country , that we can access opportunities to connect with Country , and carry out cultural practices on Country into the future . It is vital that both nongovernment and government management agencies actively support Traditional Owners in creating real , meaningful management roles and opportunities to meet our customary responsibilities to Country .”
Extract from Statement of the NQ Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group ( TOMG ), 2023 .
Together with the TOMG members , I welcome NQ Dry Tropics ’ commitment to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan to improve the ways we can work together to care for Country . The time and commitment from staff in developing this RAP has been what will make it successful . Through the process , the RAP Working Group has ensured that there has been meaningful engagement , with time for the hard conversations , the respect for sharing of personal stories and experiences , time for consideration , and reflection . There has been a real focus on making sure we have included achievable and meaningful actions to create opportunities to suit our region for Traditional Owners as Custodians of Country , and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community . These actions will foster positive relationships and partnerships to manage Country for lasting shared benefit .
I look forward to the implementation of the RAP and the continued efforts that I know NQ Dry Tropics are genuinely committed to taking towards reconciliation so that everyone can benefit .
Richard Hoolihan ( Gugu Badhun Traditional Owner , NQ Dry Tropics Board Director and Traditional Owner Management Group Chair )
Richard Hoolihan ( Gugu Badhun Traditional Owner , NQ Dry Tropics Board Director and Traditional Owner Management Group Chair )
NQ DRY TROPICS - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan - 2023 5