Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders comes to life
Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders comes to life
Since implementing the Yhurri Gurri Framework in 2021, we have been working hard as a department to increase the uptake of our services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We aim to grow participation in Queensland’s economy by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and support them through understanding their opportunities, aspirations and needs. We want to see them more deeply engaged in our everyday business with initiatives that support their communities, businesses and peoples across the state.
The Yhurri Gurri Framework emphasises the importance of understanding, acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture and knowledge. Yhurri Gurri means ‘come this way, welcome friend’ in the language of the Wakka Wakka people and is the name given to the framework by Mari Dhiiyaan – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff of our department. This title was chosen with intent, as it is an invitation to walk together.
The Yhurri Gurri framework involves seven initiatives. Each has different objectives, strategies and outcomes that all work towards the overarching goal of understanding, acknowledging and respecting First Nations peoples of Queensland, their culture and knowledge. The department’s commitment to the framework also aims to develop a workplace of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
Across the department, there are many examples of how our people are bringing these commitments and initiatives to life in their workplaces.
Cultural Growth
The fourth initiative, cultural growth, aims to build greater First Nations cultural awareness, capability and understanding amongst department employees. The following examples deliver on the cultural growth initiative by strengthening employee relationships with First Nations peoples, embedding and applying cultural capability in the department and providing access to cultural educational mechanisms.
Elders name meeting places
Meeting rooms at DSDIP’s Bundaberg Burnett Regional Office have been given traditional names significant to the region as part of strengthening the relationship with the Traditional Owners, the Taribelang People.
The Elders recently presented the regional office with beautiful original artwork designed to accompany the traditional names nominated for the meeting rooms, engaging with staff and encouraging their cultural learning through a “listen and understand” opportunity. The Meebar (sea turtle), Milbi (freshwater turtle), Theebine (lungfish) and Ungarra (white-bellied sea eagle) are all native animals of the Bundaberg Burnett region each with significance to Taribelang Country.
The team are proud of the relationship they have built over time with Taribelang Bunda and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.
Discovering the 'Importance of Place'
State Development Group’s SEQ West Regional Office recently had the incredible opportunity to explore their creative sides. The team and other colleagues came together for a deeply enriching cultural immersion day at Birrunga Gallery in Brisbane, a renowned cultural hub for Indigenous contemporary art, to participate in the ‘Importance of Place’ workshop.
Birrunga Wiradyuri, a Wiradyuri man from New South Wales, was the facilitator of the experience. An inspiring gallery tour led by Birrunga shared the rich storylines and intricate techniques behind his artworks, leading into a painting session that started with a didgeridoo meditation. Birrunga encouraged the team to paint from the heart, resulting in a unique reflection of everyone’s inner selves in each painting. The day finished with native bush tukka and a team who bonded and immersed themselves in Aboriginal culture. It was a day filled with creativity, connection and heartfelt moments the team will cherish for a long time.
Learning Eso Ngalpa Matha Danalgal
The SEQ West Regional Office recently welcomed the Bowie family to educate the team about Torres Strait Islander culture. Queensland is the only state in Australia to boast the presence of the two oldest living cultures in the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island. The initiative is being implemented throughout the department to enhance cultural capability of both cultures. It is important to understand both so we can be successful in getting greater engagement.
Maresha, Selma and Esta Bowie conducted a session called ‘Eso Ngalpa Matha Danalgal’ which translates to 'thank you, we're still alive' covering three modules including fundamentals, location and demographics. The team was charged with curiosity and respect, resulting in appreciation for the spiritual depth and cultural richness of the Torres Strait Islands and their peoples. The Bowie family conveyed a profound pride in their culture and heritage, which resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.
Procurement and grants
The third initiative, procurement and grants, aims to increase the department’s knowledge, access and spend with First Nations businesses alongside greater grant accessibility. The seventh initiative, structural reform, ensures First Nations peoples of Queensland perspectives, priorities and knowledge are embedded in the department’s legislation, deliverables, policies and practices. Below are just some examples of how we are honouring our commitment and supporting these communities, industry and business.
Brisbane-based engineering company receives valuable funding
Our department’s Defence and Aerospace Industry Development (DAID) Fund provides targeted financial assistance to eligible small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the defence, aerospace or space sectors. This program supports SMEs to acquire recognised certification to help them participate in new or existing supply chains in the defence, aerospace and space industries. The fund offers financial assistance of up to 75% of eligible project costs for indigenous-owned businesses.
A recent DAID recipient, Jabin Group is a 100% Indigenous-owned and led engineering consultancy based in Queensland and servicing clients on both public and private projects. The owners will use their funding to bolster their capabilities in meeting International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) standards and delivering highest quality engineering solutions in the defence and aerospace sectors.
Funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community services in Far North Queensland
The Gindaja Learning and Wellbeing Centre (LWBC) received funding through the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership (CIIP) grant program. This Indigenous community-controlled organisation in Yarrabah in Far North Queensland provides support for mental health, drug and alcohol treatment and community services to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In collaboration with 13 not-for-profit organisations, the CIIP grant program provided funding for investment in fit-for-purpose social infrastructure to enable fit for purpose new and enhanced services in response to local issues, such as social isolation, drug and alcohol dependence, mental health, community connectedness and youth engagement.
Gindaja used their funding to build a culturally appropriate facility that will enable the team to expand its programs and services related to alcohol and drugs, local training and employment opportunities.
Mount Isa Transition Fund supporting local Indigenous community
The Mount Isa Transition Fund was established to support job creation for the local workforce affected by Glencore's closures, strengthen the economy, and enhance livability and community resilience in the region. Recipients were recently announced and include:
- Mount Isa Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Limited who will direct their funding into restoring the culturally significant Burke Street Riverbed area. Funds will support the establishment of community access and facilities, including clearing, landscaping, installation of essential services and provision of vehicle access, shade, toilets and a community yarn circle.
- North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services Limited who will establish a community centre in the Mount Isa suburb of Pioneer, providing centralised access to government and non-government support services for the community.
The Office of the Coordinator General (OCG)
Abbot Point State Development Area (SDA): The OCG has had a long working relationship with Juru Enterprises Limited (JEL) to support land management activities within the Abbot Point State Development Area and have recently committed to a five-year contract (2024-2029) with JEL. The aim of this contract is to enhance the environmental condition of the land and protect the Kaili Valley Wetlands and surrounding areas within the SDA. This contract helps support skills development for the traditional owners of the land and assist in developing the relevant skills to undertake land management now and into the future.
Mackay SDA: TheOCG respectfully engaged with traditional owners, the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation throughout the development of the Mackay SDA project. Yuwi provided ‘connection to Country’ wording in the Mackay SDA Development Scheme. Queensland’s first government mission and reserve was established between Bakers Creek and Sandy Creek at Rosella in 1871 and operated for 14 years until 1885. The Mackay SDA is located within the former Bakers Creek Aboriginal Reserve and OCG acknowledges its significance to the Yuwi and Aboriginal Peoples. OCG continues to work with the Yuwi to maintain connection to Country, undertake cultural surveys, and prepare cultural heritage management plans.
Our commitment
All business areas of DSDIP have a role to play in ensuring the Queensland’s economic prosperity is expansive and inclusive. Engagement is critical to this and why working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities must be a priority of our work. To affirm the commitment of our department, making decisions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities requires building and maintaining relationships, embracing their knowledge and sharing their stories.
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Last updated: 27 Nov 2024