Queensland Land and Sea Grants Program launched in NAIDOC week

The rich and diverse culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be celebrated in Brisbane this NAIDOC Week with a traditional ceremony, photo and art display and an announcement about Land and Sea grants.

A traditional welcome, dance performance and smoking ceremony by the Nunujkul Yuggera people was this morning (Friday) held outside the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) Brisbane headquarters at 400 George Street.

Inside, at a photo display of the Land and Sea Rangers’ work, Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles announced the opening of applications for the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Grants Program for 2016-17.

“Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups can apply for up to $75,000 out of a fund of $500,000, to support their efforts in managing and preserving country, thanks to the Queensland Government,” Dr Miles said.

“NAIDOC week gives all Australians the opportunity to come together and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Queenslanders.

“The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week is Songlines - The living narrative of our nation.

“The grants assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to carry out management activities that acknowledge the strong cultural connections to their land and sea country.

“We can see that already occurring through the program, and it’s evidenced by the photos on display at 400 George Street, taken by rangers in the program across Queensland. They are inspiring and beautiful pictures. It’s especially heartening to see the pride on the faces of the Junior Rangers.”

Artwork depicting a sea turtle, made by Pormpuraaw artist Romena Edward using discarded ghost nets, was also on display alongside the Land and Sea Ranger photo exhibit this week.

Sid Bruce, President of the Management Committee of the Pormpuraaw Art and Culture Centre, said the community’s artists focused on totems of western Cape York, such as sea turtles.

“Totems are the basis of our songlines,” said Mr Bruce, whose own totem is the blue-tongue lizard.

 "Every clan identifies with its totems and songlines, and knowing them proves you are from this country,” he said.

Indigenous Land and Sea grant applications close on Thursday, 11 August 2016. See www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/community/grants-program

More information about NAIDOC Week is at naidoc.org.au.    

ENDS

MEDIA 0422 580 342