Bush university connects visitors to Country

School’s in for a new ‘In Country’ visitor experience at the Bonye Bush University project’s Learning Space in the Bunya Mountains.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe joined Traditional Custodians for today’s opening ceremony at Russell Park.

“The Bunya Mountains ‘In Country’ Learning Space is where visitors can experience First Nations culture, lore and customs,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We know demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences like the Bunya Mountains Learning Space is growing.

“New cultural experiences are fundamental to the State’s international tourism relaunch and more regional Queensland jobs.

“The Palaszczuk Government invested $10 million in Indigenous tourism projects during the pandemic.

“We’ve committed to genuine Queensland Indigenous cultural experiences for jobs and the recovery of domestic and international tourism.

“Our investment in the Bonye Bush University project supported infrastructure construction, and training and uniforms for 10 Aboriginal tour guides.

“That’s 10 new jobs and a new Indigenous tourism enterprise.”

Nine First Nations businesses received GITQ funding to deliver new tourism experiences.

Bonye Bush University project’s Bunya Mountains Learning Space received almost $543,000 from the Palaszczuk Government’s $7 million Growing Indigenous Tourism in Queensland (GITQ) fund.

GITQ supported the construction of a ‘Dhakkin’ sculptural meetings ground with a 120-metre-long rock and concrete rainbow serpent.

It features three rainbow serpent coils with sections for women’s business, men’s business and a central performance space.

Work also included a Genestreams Songlines sculpture in the shape of a lotus lily, walking tracks and landscaping.

The Bunya Mountains are one of Australia’s most significant traditional gathering places.

Thousands of Aboriginal people followed traditional Songlines from the coast and inland areas to the Bunya Mountains every three years for sacred ceremonies, marriages and celebrations.

Bunya People’s Aboriginal Corporation Chair Lurlene Henderson said Traditional Custodians had aspired to recognition of the cultural significance of the Bunya Mountains.

“To have our footprint on the mountain through the Bunya Bush University project is essential for the continuity of Aboriginal culture and traditions,” she said.

“The Bunya Mountains is a very culturally sensitive space for many Aboriginal people and is now recognised by many Australians as a place of healing and spiritual connection with its unique physical environment in our country.”

The Bunya Bush University is one of two ‘In Country’ Learning Spaces, the first is ‘Learnscape’ at Gummingurru, near Toowoomba.

Pre-pandemic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitor experiences contributed $505 million to Queensland’s visitor economy.

Learning Space images are here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2nl46wo2vu04yxc/AAAO0H8oEid4ONrInGl61QiZa?dl=0

Media: 0427 475 089