Congratulations Djunbunji (MYAC)
Written by Michele Dale   

A new 'Land and Sea Centre' has been established near East Trinity with support from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). The Mandingalbay Yindinji Aboriginal Corporation (MYAC), through their operating company Djunbunji Ltd., have recently secured and base station and completed outfitting of the offices. The organisation now employs a Cultural Heritage Ranger, a Head Ranger, four Rangers, and a Business Manager with support administration.

Terrain NRM has provided support for the development of the organisation's Strategic Plan (2009). Many other individuals and organisations are also acknowledged for their support. The development of this plan follows many years of struggle by the Mandingalbay Yindinji people for recognition of inherent rights and interests in their traditional country.

Djunbunji_rangers
Rangers L to R: Giles Mundraby, Terrie Mundraby, Kenny Kyle, Issac Mundraby and Head Ranger Andrea Bryan
Photo by Terrain NRM.

The diversity of Mandingalbay Yindinji country includes rainforest and open woodland on the Nesbitt and Malbon Thompson ranges, the estuarine mangroves and saltwater wetlands of Trinity Inlet, beachfront, intertidal and marine environments, and Reef islands.

In April 2006, the Mandingalbay Yindinji people had their native title rights recognised by the Federal Court and these native title rights and interests are mapped and explained in the organisation's Strategic Plan. Indigenous Land Use Agreements have also been negotiated with State government, WTMA, the Cairns Regional Council, Ergon Energy and Telstra. The development of the Strategic Plan has enabled the Mandingalbay Yidinji people to be involved in the day to day management of their ountry, including fire burning, weed control and feral animal management. There are plans to establish walking tracks, visitor facilities and ecotourism.
Darryl_Murgha_and_Victoria_Monahan
Cultural Heritage Ranger Darryl Murgha and Manager Victoria Monahan in the grounds of the new Djunbunji Land and Sea Centre, East Trinity
Photo by Terrain NRM

"While our culture and way of life have changed over the last 100 years, our identity as Mandingalbay Yidinji people remains strong and our inherited cultural rights and responsibility to Country have not diminished."

The new Land and Sea Centre is situated at East Trinity, just before Second Beach on the road to Yarrabah.

(Terrain NRM wishes to thank the MYAC for permission to quote from the organisation's Strategic Plan, 2009)