Eurong (place of rain) was the gathering place for recent NAIDOC celebrations hosted by QPWS Butchulla rangers who proudly organised an informative session and displayed an array of traditional hunting tools, beautifully painted implements, artefacts and local bush tucker for participants to enjoy.

Discussions about culture and traditional way of life on K’gari was enthusiastically shared including sampling traditionally cooked delicacies of Mi’bira, meaning shell (mud whelks), eugaries/Wah wongs (pipies) and fruits.

A display of artefacts, tools and implements explained by traditional owners Conway and Darren. Photos courtesy of Darren Blake.

Rangers Russ and Malcom sharing traditional way of life with colleagues. Photos courtesy of Darren Blake.

Ranger Conway Burns took the opportunity to discuss this years’ NAIDOC theme – Our Languages Matter and the importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

NAIDOC Week is held annually in the first full week of July. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

Article contributed by Linda Behrendorff (RIC NRM), Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Great Sandy National Park