NQBP continues NAIDOC celebrations with Bowen students
NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and local Traditional Owners provided students a full day of cultural experiences during recent NAIDOC celebrations at Bowen State High School.
The event included a Kup Murri, a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cooking method utilising an underground oven, and NQBP’s presentation of a North Queensland Cowboys Indigenous Round Jersey to student, Lytrel Curtis, for his outstanding leadership of the Indigenous student body, including being respectful and courteous to all staff and students.
NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said the event provided students the chance to learn more about the Juru People and Bowen’s cultural heritage.
“We appreciate the importance of building greater cultural awareness within our port communities and value the opportunity to participate in this activity as part of NAIDOC celebrations,” Mr Fertin said.
“This event came just days after we proudly announced our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which formalises our commitment to work with our local Traditional Owners to deliver positive outcomes for the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“It was particularly pleasing to see our Bowen maintenance team members, Kelvin Power and James Miller, involved with this event, sharing their traditional earth oven cooking skills through the Kup Murri. The students were able to experience the process of creating the Kup Murri and then enjoy the feast for lunch.
“We are proud to work with our Traditional Owner groups to deliver these unique school activities, knowing that we are promoting reconciliation within our communities.”
Bowen State High School principal, Pamela Prichard, said the event provided an engaging and meaningful experience for students and school staff.
“We thank NQBP for contributing to this special event and assisting us in celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, NQBP’s Innovate RAP 2020 to 2022 outlines the actions the organisation will take under the key focus areas of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance. The RAP is available at www.nqbp.com.au.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:
Lorelei van Dalen | Community Relations Advisor
(07) 4969 0772 | lvandalen@nqbp.com.au
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