General News
7 July, 2026
Our traditional connections
LONG before European settlement, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived sustainably on these lands for tens of thousands of years, guided by deep cultural knowledge and strong connections to Country.
Their practices supported the careful management of land, waterways and natural resources.
The arrival of settlers in the late 19th century significantly disrupted these systems and communities.
Today, there is a growing recognition of the importance of First Nations cultures and knowledge.
Efforts such as cultural experiences, language revitalisation and greater inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in public spaces reflect an increasing commitment to respect, recognition, and ongoing custodianship.
The traditional custodians across the Cairns local government area are: the Djabugay, Yirriganydji, Bulawai, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Mandingalbay Yidinji, Gunggandji, Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji, Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Wanyurr Majay, Mamu and Ngadjon-Jii peoples.
First peoples’ fish traps
HIDDEN in the waters off Buchan Point on the way to Port Douglas, are the remnants of a traditional way of fishing used by Yirrganydji First Nations – fish traps.
While there are many varieties of tidal fish traps used by different traditional owner groups, these traps were made of sapling poles embedded into the sand at regular spaces which allowed water to flow around and over during high tide but trapped fish in the holding ‘pen’ it created at low tide.
