I petition Whitsunday Regional Council to recognise and acknowledge Birri people as the rightful traditional owners of Bowen up to Ayr and out to Collinsville.

In the early 1900’s, my beloved Birri Wirri grandfather Reginald Dodd Snr (1906-1991) , his family and Birri people were forcibly removed and taken away from their traditional lands and waters under the Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Qld) to Yarrabah then to Hull River AboriginalSettlement (renamed Mission Beach after the cyclone destroyed it in 1918).

In 1914, the Hull River Aboriginal Settlement, an Aboriginal reserve established on the land of the Djiru people (sounds very similar to juru people, most likely moved down to Bowen area AFTER Birri people were forcibly removed from their traditional lands), near present-day Mission Beach in Queensland. The settlement, which was not a religious mission, operated as a prison-like camp until it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1918.

In 1918, once again my grandfather, his family and Birri people were forcibly relocated to Palm Island.

When all the Birri old people passed away the ancient Birri language, sacred knowledge, customs, songlines and storytelling were never truly lost but PRESERVED in my grandfather’s recordings.

In November 1971, Mr Dodd was recorded and noted by linguist Tony Beale speaking his native Birri dialect. These recordings offered an insight into the richness of Birri language, sacred knowledge, customs, values, Birri traditional lands and waters, songlines and storytelling.

Growing up as a strong Birri woman, I am deeply connected to my cultural roots, identity, belonging and the land that holds the stories of my ancestors. 

This connection forms an integral part of our identity, belonging, and the sacred responsibilities we hold to preserve our Aboriginal heritage. Our ancient Birri homelands from Bowen to Ayr extending to Collinsville has been the heart of Birri culture for thousands of years, yet it remains unrecognized as such by local authorities.

The importance of truth-telling cannot be overstated. For generations, our history has been clouded by narratives that fail to recognize the significance of Birri presence and cultural contributions to the region. It is time to lay bare the historical facts, educate our communities, and drive awareness about past injustices inflicted upon our people. This is not just a call to correct the records, but a vital step towards healing and empowerment for the Birri community.

Evidence of our long-standing connection to this land is well-documented through oral histories, archaeological findings, and ethnographic records. Studies indicate the Birri people have inhabited these lands for over 60,000 years, practicing sustainable living and nurturing the environment which in turn nurtures us. The sacred stories of Birri ancestors echo through the winds and waters of these territories.

Reclaiming our ancient lands and waters is not merely a symbolic gesture, it is a tangible recognition of our enduring Birri Aboriginal heritage. We propose that the Whitsunday Regional Council acknowledges the Birri people as Traditional Owners and partners with us to manage and protect these lands for current and future generations. This recognition will foster greater cultural understanding, respect, and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

In doing so, we can heal the wounds of the past and build a unified vision for the future rooted in respect for our historical truths and shared stewardship of the land. Join me in calling for the Council to officially recognize the Birri people as the Traditional Owners of the land from Bowen to Ayr out to Collinsville.

Please sign this petition to help ensure that this ancient connection is honored and preserved for future generations.