Cultural gardens flourish for National Reconciliation Week
CQUniversity is proud to support and create an empowering learning environment for all students with the launch of a new cultural safe place on the Mackay Ooralea campus.
The outdoor common area and yarning circle, named Bidyiri Woorwaya (‘to dream big’ in the YUWI language), was officially unveiled during National Reconciliation Week (NRW) at a ceremony attended by CQU staff, students and First Nations Elders and community members.
The garden features native plants, and underscores the University’s commitment to its First Nations students, staff and community members through the culturally safe environment.
CQUniversity Project Officer Indigenous Student Wellbeing Mellisa Taggart said Bidyiri Woorwaya will serve as a platform for reflection, connection and cultural practices.
“CQU has been working to establish at least one culturally safe space at each of our campuses,” she said.
“This is the second for the region, with an interior space opened at the Mackay City campus in November last year.
“The addition of an outdoor space will facilitate greater opportunities for us to welcome, engage and support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, alumni and visitors on campus.”
Attendees of the event, including – Mayor Greg Williamson, CQU Associate Vice-President Professor Rob Brown and YUWI Traditional Owners and Elders Aunty Veronica Ah-Wang, Aunty Debbie Thaiday and Uncle Philip – contributed to the launch by planting shrubbery in the space.
The cultural landscaping was procured through Australian Indigenous Grasstrees and Wildflowers (AIGW), a small Mackay business that specialises with native flowers, foliage and plants.
Bespoke artwork was commissioned by Samantha Lindsey for the signage which was created by Naturally Yours by D&D. A shade sail was provided by Mackay Shade Sails.
Ms Taggart said the space was designed in consultation with Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students' as well as with Elders and key stakeholders from community and industry.
“Aunty Veronica Ah-Wang was a key voice and contributed to the Indigenous naming of Bidyiri Woorwaya in her traditional YUWI language.
“It was very important to establish this space in a way that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and cultures, and the custodianship of the lands on which we operate,” she said.
“There is history behind where the cultural space is positioned as the Ooralea campus address is Boundary Road. Previously, this marked where local Indigenous peoples were not allowed beyond the boundary into the town unless they had a permit.
“This area has brought a lot of sorrow to our peoples in the past and was spoken about when we were in consultation.
“We want to celebrate that we can occupy this space now, acknowledge what has happened in the space and move forward but not forget that history.”
Event attendees were also welcomed by a traditional dance and the didgeridoo performance by the Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
