Going bush for a good cause

Volunteers from the 1st Signal Regiment have gone bush for a good cause.

CAPTION: Volunteers from the 1st Signal Regiment clear a path used for cultural awareness activities at Terra Bulla Leumeah on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland. Story by Captain Miguel Ellis-Fragoso. Photo by Sergeant Anita Gill.

The soldiers spent three days at North Stradbroke Island from November 9 to support the restoration and maintenance of Terra Bulla Leumeah, a 1.5ha bushland property with a strong link to the region’s Indigenous people.

Terra Bulla Leumeah is also the site of the former Myora Mission, which was bought by Redland Shire Council in 2004, with an agreement reached with Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council to cooperatively manage and protect the cultural heritage of the site.

The visit was undertaken by the 1st Signal Regiment’s North Stradbroke Island Cultural Engagement Team.

The aim was to foster an ongoing relationship with the Quandamooka peoples, a cultural group that includes the Nunagal, Goenbal and Ngugi people of Quandamooka country that extends across Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the mainland coast (Belmont, Chandler, Tingalpa, Wynnum and Redlands).

The soldiers were welcomed to Country by Quandamooka Elder Uncle Norm.

Uncle Norm shared the significance of the location over a yarn and answered questions.

The team camped at Terra Bulla Leumeah and worked diligently and respectfully to support the maintenance and restoration of the site.

Their clearing of leaf litter and fallen trees and branches from pathways, tracks, and gardens, was punctuated by the sound of a chainsaw used to fell carefully selected non-native tree species.

Corporal Stephen Craige said it was an honour and a privilege to be able to visit the heritage site and spend time with the Elders.

“Listening to the stories and getting an understanding from Uncle Norm on the significance of this site and how it plays a vital role to the Quandamooka peoples made our visit even more rewarding,” Corporal Craige said.

An Indigenous cemetery that overlooks the conservation area is a significant site.

Under the guidance of Uncle Norm, the soldiers carefully developed and maintained the site to prevent any damage to the graves and to allow access to visitors.

The 1st Signal Regiment looks forward to maintaining their ongoing relationship with the Quandamooka peoples and plan to continue rehabilitation works next year.

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