CQUniversity has launched a new cultural safe place on the Mackay Ooralea campus to support and empower all students.
The outdoor common area and yarning circle, named Bidyiri Woorwaya ('to dream big' in the YUWI language), was unveiled during National Reconciliation Week, attended by CQU staff, students, Indigenous Elders and community members.
The garden, featuring native plants, demonstrates the University's commitment to Indigenous students, staff, and community members by providing a culturally safe environment.
CQUniversity Project Officer for Indigenous Student Wellbeing, Mellisa Taggart, said Bidyiri Woorwaya will be a place for reflection, connection, and cultural practices.
"CQU has been working to establish at least one culturally safe space at each of our campuses," she said.
"This is the second for the region, with an interior space opened at the Mackay City campus in November last year.
"The addition of an outdoor space will facilitate greater opportunities for us to welcome, engage and support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, alumni and visitors on campus."
Attendees at the event included Mayor Greg Williamson, CQU Associate Vice-President Professor Rob Brown, and YUWI Traditional Owners and Elders Aunty Veronica Ah-Wang, Aunty Debbie Thaiday, and Uncle Philip, who contributed by planting shrubbery in the space.
The cultural landscaping was supplied by Australian Indigenous Grasstrees and Wildflowers (AIGW), a Mackay business specialising in native plants.
Bespoke artwork for the signage was commissioned from Samantha Lindsey and created by Naturally Yours by D&D. A shade sail was provided by Mackay Shade Sails.
Ms Taggart said the space was designed in consultation with Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, students, Elders, and key community and industry stakeholders.
"Aunty Veronica Ah-Wang was a key voice and contributed to the Indigenous naming of Bidyiri Woorwaya in her traditional YUWI language."
"It was very important to establish this space in a way that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and cultures, and the custodianship of the lands on which we operate," she said.
"There is history behind where the cultural space is positioned as the Ooralea campus address is Boundary Road. Previously, this marked where local Indigenous peoples were not allowed beyond the boundary into the town unless they had a permit."
Melissa highlighted the area's sorrowful history for their people, stressing the importance of celebrating their current presence, acknowledging the past, and moving forward without forgetting it.
"This area has brought a lot of sorrow to our peoples in the past and was spoken about when we were in consultation," she said.
"We want to celebrate that we can occupy this space now, acknowledge what has happened in the space and move forward but not forget that history."
Event attendees were welcomed by a traditional dance and didgeridoo performance by the Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
