The Quandamooka People are the Traditional Custodians of Quandamooka, encompassing Moreton Bay and its islands, including Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), where the Moreton Bay Research Station is located.
Minjerribah is home to the Noonuccal (Nunagal) and Goenpul (Goenbal) clans, who, together with the Ngugi people of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), make up the Quandamooka Peoples. Their connection to Country and Sea is profound and enduring, shaped by thousands of years of caring for the lands, waters and ecosystems that continue to sustain culture, community and knowledge.
The Quandamooka People have cared for and lived on Minjerribah for more than 20,000 years. This enduring presence is reflected in the significant archaeological site at Wallen Wallen, south of Goompi (Dunwich), which contains some of the oldest evidence of human occupation on Australia's east coast and provides a rare record of life dating back to the Pleistocene Age.
Today, the Quandamooka People continue to maintain and strengthen their cultural, spiritual and custodial responsibilities to Country, sharing knowledge that enriches the understanding, stewardship and future of this unique place.
Living culture
The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) is a not-for-profit organisation led by Quandamooka Elders. MMEIC provides cultural leadership and advice, delivering cultural awareness, education, and community programs. Its purpose is to preserve, enhance, record, communicate and teach all people—particularly younger generations—about the culture, history, language, and Law/Lore of the Goenpul, Ngugi and Noonuccal Peoples.
The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) is the Prescribed Body Corporate representing the Quandamooka People. QYAC works to protect and promote Quandamooka culture, heritage and native title rights while supporting social, cultural and economic outcomes for the community. The organisation plays a central role in caring for Country, Sea and Freshwater, and advancing the aspirations of the Quandamooka People through cultural leadership, partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.
The Quandamooka People have cared for and maintained connection to Quandamooka Country for countless generations. In 2011, following many years of work by the Quandamooka community to have their rights formally acknowledged, native title determinations affirmed their continuing rights, interests and responsibilities as Traditional Custodians of land and waters across Quandamooka Country.
Many significant cultural sites on Minjerribah and Mulgumpin are awarded protection under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. Among these are bora rings, middens, lakes and springs.
Partnership
The University of Queensland is actively formalising its relationships with Quandamooka organisations including QYAC and MMEIC to strengthen ongoing collaboration in research, education, and environmental management. At Moreton Bay Research Station, this work focuses on improving co-design and governance processes to manage activities, and ensuring research priorities, data, and outcomes better reflect the needs, priorities, and aspirations of community.
Visitors to Minjerribah and Moreton Bay Research Station play an important role. By acting as respectful guests on Country, following cultural protocols and best practice in engagement, teaching and research, listening to guidance from Traditional Custodians, and minimising impacts on land, sea and sky Country, visitors contribute to the protection of cultural heritage and the strengthening of relationships grounded in respect, care, and shared responsibility.
Artwork: Brisbane River pattern from A Guidance Through Time by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow.