Promoting tourism, jobs and reef care

This story comes via the North Queensland Land Council Native Title Representative Body Aboriginal Corporation and is reproduced with permission.

Cairns, Queensland: Congratulations to the deadly Yirrganydji mob for Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation's recent win. The corporation was named winner of ANZSOG Indigenous Strength and Leadership Video Competition (along with New Zealand's Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services). The competition recognised initiatives promoting Indigenous leadership in public administration.

The winners were announced on 20 February 2019 at ANZSOG's conference Reimagining Public Administration: First Peoples, Governance and New Paradigms, at Melbourne's Federation Square.

Above: Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers with Adam Goodes

'Too often the public debates about Indigenous affairs focus on deficits and failures, and have a sense that things are not improving', said ANZSOG Deputy Dean Associate Professor Catherine Althuaus. 'It is important that we recognise the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples and the value of their knowledge and culture.'

Produced with funding from the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority, the Yirrganydji tourism video outlines the local Indigenous community's role in preserving the Reef and its success in using tourism to create jobs. It also beautifully captures the rich traditional culture and respect for the lands and seas. The video helps teach people how to minimise their footprint on the Reef while still encouraging them to admire its beauty.

As the narrator, Gavin Singleton (who is a ranger as well as a director of Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation) says, 'Our people have been enjoying this part of Australia for generations and we invite you to enjoy its beauty with us.'

Good work, Dawul Wuru!