FEDERAL government funding to help rangers work on native title lands has had an unexpected bonus.
It has seen Quandamooka people strengthen their identities and make a real connection to country.
Earlier this year the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, agents of the Traditional Owners of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), secured funding through Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion to employ rangers to work on native title lands.
The work is significant for the island’s future. Environmentally sensitive and culturally significant sites on the island are being restored and community capacity in pest and fire management is growing.
The funding has provided a renewed purpose and major sense of pride for rangers.
Quandamooka man Jacob Martin, 23 said he loved working on country and protecting it.
“It's what our people have done our whole life, for many generations, managing the country the proper way," he said.
"I am now doing a Certificate 3 in conservation and land management and have finished Level 1 bushfire fighting training. I just love the job."
QYAC chief executive Cameron Costello and Darren Burns, Quandamooka Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Agency manager welcomed the support from Senator Scullion.
"It's important for our youth to stay on the island and develop and grow through understanding about working on traditional lands," he said.
"It strengthens their identity as Quandamooka People through a real connection to country.
"They're also able to discover cultural heritage artefacts that they come across when they're doing this work.
"They are doing a great service for their people and for the broader community and caring for country is something they can be involved with."
Mr Costello said support from the federal government for these projects was vitally important:
“Senator Scullion visited our community in 2014 to attend and speak at our annual Native Title Determination Celebration.
“On that visit he walked country with the Quandamooka people and elders. He listened to what the community wanted – jobs on country for our young people.
“The subsequent commitment by the Senator has been a sign of great respect for our community’s aspirations. We want the minister to come back and see the benefits the community are reaping from his support.” Mr Costello said.
