Chinchilla Botanic Parkland partners with First Nations families to develop masterplan

Western Downs Regional Council, located in south-west Queensland, has advised that the rich cultural history of the region's traditional owners will be recognised and celebrated as part of a new project being delivered at the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland.

Council will partner with the area's first nations families to create a masterplan for the Parkland, which will serve as a dedicated space for local families to meet and connect once constructed.

Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said Council had allocated more than $22,000 to establish a master plan for the new indigenous area, which would be driven by the local first nations families.

Tillman notes "we're an inclusive community, proud of where we live, and this new masterplan will create a special place for people to meet, connect, reflect, and learn about our region's indigenous history.

"Through meaningful engagement and inclusive consultation, Council will partner with the community to establish the master plan this year, with some initial ideas being a language and country signpost to tell the story of the different traditional groups, an installation recognising local families, and storytelling.

"This project will recognise the culture and the history of the traditional owners by creating an engaging, respectful and meaningful space for ceremonial use and indigenous education for locals and visitors."

Chinchilla community member Averil Dillon said the new area would be a major step forward for cultural recognition and pave the way for more opportunities into the future.

"It's the start of an idea that could lead to great things," Dillon aaded.

"What Council will actually do is give a place of identity for the younger generations. That's very important that the children can take ownership of something, and it embeds in their cultural beliefs.

"There will always be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who are custodians and there will always be a generation that has a yearning and a real passion to promote who they are."

A working committee will now be established to develop the masterplan.