Acknowledgement of Country

Galangoor djali (good day) to you all as you stop to take time to read this Acknowledgement of Country. This is an important opportunity for you to connect to and build your knowledge and understanding of the Custodians of this land, the Butchulla people.

We pay our respects to Butchulla ancestors, old people and Elders. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who gather on these lands.

From Double Island Point in the south, west to Bauple Mountain, northwest around Maryborough and north to the Burrum River. Look east across the coastal waters to take in the great sand island K’gari. Wherever you travel within these boundaries, you will be connecting to Butchulla dha - the lands of the Butchulla people.

Butchulla people have lived on and cared for these lands for thousands upon thousands of years. The impact of invasion, massacres, frontier wars, dispossession, removal policy and stolen generation resonates in the lives and stories of the Butchulla people. Throughout, the strength and resilience of Butchulla Old Ones (Bilam), Elders and community continues, with connection to these lands, culture and lore. Stories, information, teachings and respect were handed down generation to generation and this old way continues to this day.

Butchulla now live in this modern day world and the government guidelines and regulations of the day. Butchulla stand strong in their role as original and ongoing custodians of this land and our younger generations are born to this knowledge and responsibility.

The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery (HBRG) has worked alongside the Butchulla Community in designing the gallery brand and strategic vision with respect to this gallery standing in and connecting to Butchulla Country and community.

In respect for Butchulla custodians, the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery logo incorporates three lines to represent the three Butchulla lore.

1. Minyang Galangoor gu, djaa kalim baya-m

What is good for the land must come first

2. Minyan waa nyinung, waa bunmalee dhamma-n

Do not touch or take anything that does not belong to you

3. Waygau nyin gamindu, biralunbar nyin wumga-n

If you have plenty, you must share

HBRG continues with its aim to ensure all stories, issues and celebrations of Butchulla and other indigenous people is shared and included in the visual journey, here in and Maryborough.

With this knowledge in mind, we welcome you to the experiences found in and around Hervey Bay Regional Gallery. We leave you with one important message to be acknowledged throughout your travels on all custodial lands around Australia.

Wanya nyin yangu, wanai Djinang djaawherever you go, leave only footprints.

Galangoor nyin - Thank you

–Aunty Karen Hall, Butchulla Elder

Written on behalf of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery and the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.