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Butchulla Men's Business | |
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| HISTORIC LEASE APPROVED FOR BUTCHULLA MEN |
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PRESS RELEASE
On the 5th August 2020, an historic document was signed -off by the Director General of the Dept of Environment and Science in Brisbane. This document, a Lease over part of the former Ravens Hill cattle property, fronting the Sandy Strait, provides members of the Butchulla Men`s Business Aboriginal Association Inc., with the ability to conduct traditionally-based activities for men and boys that directly relate to their culture. Previously, it has been impossible for Butchulla men to undertake any sort of traditional land-based activity, due to the fact that Butchulla men did not own or control any of their traditional country. This Lease now allows Butchulla men to belong to themselves and commence the long journey of bringing back those traditional practices which have been put on hold because of not having a place to exercise them. The notion of a Lease has been in the back of BMBAA President Glen Millers mind, ever since they began using Ravens hill as the venue for their Rites of Passage camps for boys and fathers, back in 2018. In August 2019, Glen wrote to Minister Enoch, requesting a Lease be created and granted to BMBAA. With strong support from local State member Bruce Saunders, Minister Enoch championed the request through the Dept of Environment & Science and saw the advantages of providing Butchulla men with the opportunity to be in control of their future. This action was also strongly supported by local QPWS staff who had been working with BMBAA over the past five years to assist Butchulla men to have access to their traditional lands. BMBAA has a strong vision for what the land can and will provide for not only Butchulla men and boys, but also the wider community. Activities planned include; annual Rites of passage camps for boys and their fathers - teaching traditional land management techniques, including traditional burning methods - creation of a Traditional Bora Ring for ceremonies - social gatherings for men and boys and ensuring that feral plants and animals are kept under control. The Dept of Environment & Science acknowledges that the BMBAAs proposed use of the land is a unique offering, which can only be provided by Butchulla men who have the authority under Aboriginal lore to undertake traditional ceremonies and provide educational activities and that this will deliver substantial cultural and social benefits to current and future generations of Butchulla males. BMBAA President Glen Miller thanked the Queensland Government and Minister Enoch for the landmark Agreement. "We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders and Peter Wright and his team from the local Maryborough QPWS office, for their ongoing support." "This is a momentous occasion. We are the first and only Aboriginal group to be the beneficiaries of a Lease of this nature and we are determined to make it a success." Glen Miller President Butchulla Men`s Business Aboriginal Association Inc. 10/10/2020 |