NRW CONTINUES TO SUPPORT TRADITIONAL OWNERS

The Queensland Government has joined with this country’s traditional owners this month in celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the formation of the National Aborigines and Islanders Observance Committee (NAIDOC).

Government officers will join the celebrations across the State, which include a NAIDOC family day at Queens Park in Mackay on July 7 and activities in Rockhampton on July 13.

Participants will assemble at Rockhampton Town Hall at 9.30am before marching to the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds to continue the celebrations.

This year’s 50^th anniversary theme is ‘50 years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak.’

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace the department had been a strong supporter of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island traditional owners as the government agency responsible for indigenous land-based issues and indigenous cultural heritage.

Mr Wallace said it was appropriate that the department supported the aspirations of local indigenous communities.

“We have to work together to resolve many issues and we should also celebrate together,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said results of working together in the Central Queensland region included the transfer of state land to traditional owners under the Aboriginal Land Act.

“So far this year the department has handed over a parcel at Mt Wheeler, between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, and transferred several parcels of land to the Woppaburra people on Great Keppel Island. More parcels of land are being investigated,” he said.

“It is critical traditional owners of the land are recognised and reunited with some of that land so they can reconnect with important cultural values.

“The work the Government has been doing to transfer land to traditional owners and contribute to the identification of culturally important sites builds an improved sense of mutual respect and willingness to continue working together.”

NRW works with indigenous communities in the protection of native title in State land dealings, as well as the return of traditional land and the protection of cultural heritage.

NAIDOC Week is observed nationally and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This year also marks another significant milestone with the 40^th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, an event where more than 90 percent of Australians voted to remove references in the Australian Constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal people.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.