A ground-breaking agreement has been signed by Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» of Queensland and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), to undertake joint research and development projects.
The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will allow Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» and QYAC collaboration in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» facilities and on North Stradbroke Island.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Provost said the collaboration was a win for all, and an example of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s close relationship with the Quandamooka people.
“This partnership is an example of how we can combine Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s research and teaching expertise with the unique knowledge and perspectives of the Quandamooka traditional owners, advancing ideas and creating opportunities,” he said.
“It will offer Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» students, researchers and the Quandamooka community opportunities for study, work experience, internships and job placements.
“Importantly, the MOU will ensure Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» activities on Quandamooka Country acknowledge and respect customary ownership, cultural heritage and the traditional knowledge of the Quandamooka people.
“This is in line with Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s – our commitment to building respectful relationships and opportunities between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.”
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Pro-Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said the agreement was a valuable opportunity to learn from the community’s deep understanding of North Stradbroke Island’s flora and fauna.
“North Stradbroke Island will be the perfect place to connect traditional knowledge with Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s scientific community, particularly now Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» students and researchers are able to participate in QYAC programs.
“This is an exciting collaboration, and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» is looking forward to researchers, locals and tourists benefiting from this meeting of minds and cultures.”
The facility is a significant project in the Queensland Government’s North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Economic Transition Strategy, with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad participating in the signing ceremony.
Image about left: (L-R) Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation CEO Cameron Costello, Executive Dean of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s Faculty of Science Professor Melissa Brown and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Provost Professor Aidan Byrne.
Media: Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
