General News
30 May, 2022
Indigenous Culture And Heritage Recognised In Cardwell
A seaside village’s pledge to celebrate its rich Indigenous culture has brought traditional owners and the not for profit organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People affected by forced removal, LinkUp (Qld), together as part of the Australian Heritage Festival.
On May 18, Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) hosted Girringun and Girramay Aboriginal corporations at the Bush Telegraph Museum in Cardwell.
Around 60 community members met Cairns-based Link-Up (Qld) counsellors Darryl Tranby and Sharona Joinbee, who work to reunite Stolen Generations’ members and descendants with family across the state.
Organiser Thea Ormonde said interested residents had urged her to invite the First Nations not-for-profit to the region.
“The aim of the event was to not only talk about heritage but also showcase and make people aware of services available in the region,” Ms Ormonde said.
“Tracing family history is a big part of what Link-Up (Qld) do. “We felt the community took a lot out of engaging with and learning more about LinkUp.”
Chief Executive Officer Patricia Thompson AM said the chance to share more about Link-Up (Qld)’s story was important.
“There are so many members of the Stolen Generations who don’t know how to reconnect with family,” Ms Thompson said.
“Our service is free and helps bring people together often after suffering significant hardship or trauma.”
Among the guests in attendance were emerging Indigenous leaders from Gilroy Santa Maria College who travelled from Ingham to learn more about the Stolen Generations.
