The Quandamooka people are the Traditional Owners of Quandamooka (Moreton Bay and its islands), including Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — the land on which Moreton Bay Research Station is built.
Minjerribah is home to the Nunagal and Goenbal clans who, together with the Ngugi of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), are the Quandamooka people.
The Quandamooka people have a rich traditional culture and a strong, ongoing connection to their land and sea Country.
The Quandamooka people’s continued occupation of Minjerribah dates to more than 20,000 years ago.
An archaeological site at Wallen Wallen, south of Gumpi (Dunwich), is one of the few sites on the east coast of Australia with evidence of Pleistocene Age occupation.
Living culture
The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) is the cultural heritage body for the Quandamooka Estate. QYAC protects the tangible and intangible aspects of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and harnesses opportunities for growth and progress.
Many significant cultural sites on Minjerribah and Mulgumpin were awarded protection under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. Among these are bora rings, middens, lakes and springs.
The Quandamooka people’s living culture was recognised through Australian Federal Court decisions under the Native Title Act 1993. These rulings give custodial rights to Traditional Owners of land and water in Quandamooka Country.
Partnership
We work closely with the Quandamooka people, and the UQ/QYAC Memorandum of Understanding allows the undertaking of joint research and development projects on Quandamooka Country.
When you visit Quandamooka Country, remember that you’re visiting the spiritual home of the Quandamooka people. Please respect the area’s Traditional Owners and their land, and leave only footprints.
Artwork: Brisbane River pattern from A Guidance Through Time by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow.