Redland City Council has made a grand entrance, adorning its doorstep with two elaborate silver plaques to mark Reconciliation Week.
The flood-to-ceiling sculptured metal panels are the artistic work of Quandamooka woman artisan Sandra Delaney.
Ornate but majestic, the works recognise the city's traditional owners, the Quandamooka People.
Ms Delaney, whose family has connections to North Stradbroke Island stetching back
Quandamooka dancers from the Yulu-Burri-Ba Dance Troupe Taryn Ruska, Kyle Coghill, Keiron Costelloe and Gavin Tyson conjured images of native animals bringing wealth and prosperity to their community.
Their dances honoured Straddie's dolphins who helped shepherd small fish into shallow waters and the sea eagles who guarded the island from the air.
The plaques were unveiled on the anniversary of the Mabo High Court decision in 1992.
The Mabo decision marked a turning point for reconciliation in Australia, which Mayor Karen Williams commented on when addressing the crowd outside chambers.
Cr Williams reflected on the Federal Court decision made in Dunwich in 2011, acknowledging the indigenous owners of the land.
She said since then, the relationship between the council and indigenous people had strengthened on paper but still had a long way to go but the plaques were a proud milestone in the relationship.
The mayor signed a Statement of Recognition with Quandamooka woman Professor Valerie Cooms, a full-time member of the National Native Title Tribunal and a member of the Nunukul People.
Cr Williams said the two silver metal panels were works of art but their true beauty represented the legal recognition of Native Title granted on July 4, 2011.
“Both panels give unique insights into Quandamooka culture and heritage, as well as credence to the importance of Redland City Council and the Quandamooka People working together for the future of our region,” she said.
“Capturing the essence of our partnership in words and art, the panels were more than a year in the making and the design focuses on the foundations of respect, acknowledgement, commitment, friendship and peace.
“By installing the Statement of Recognition at the heart of our City, where much of the planning for the future of our community takes place is testament to what can be achieved in the spirit of reconciliation and respect.”
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said the ceremony was a good time to reflect on the history of the relationship between the traditional owners and the local government.
"The council has taken a step forward on the back of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement and extended the hand of friendship," he said.
"Redlands is leading the way in building brighter and stronger ties between indigenous communities and local government."
The 1992 high court ruling, acknowledged indigenous people occupied parts of Australia up to 60,000 years before the British arrived in 1788 and it was wrong to declare Australia "terra nullius".
To date, 116 native title claims have been recognised in Queensland, including the North Stradbroke Island Indigenous Land Use Agreements.
Reconciliation Week started with National Sorry Day on May 26 and the anniversary of the 1967 referendum on May 27.
