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Mungalla Station, nestled between Townsville and Cairns, is a place of deep cultural and historical significance. Located just 12 kilometres east of Ingham, this land belongs to the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. The traditional territory of the Nywaigi people stretches from the Herbert River in the north to Rollingstone in the south, and west to Stone River.
Today, the 880-hectare property is owned by the traditional custodians, who use it to promote Aboriginal cultural values while creating economic and cultural opportunities for future generations.
The Legacy of Mungalla
Mungalla is a place of both historical and contemporary significance, and it serves as a bridge between past and present. The Nywaigi people’s mission is clear: “Mungalla Station is a resource owned by the Nywaigi Traditional Owners for the purpose of fostering Aboriginal cultural values by building economic and cultural opportunities through the careful use of our country as a legacy for our children.”
Mungalla’s history also reflects the story of the Pacific Islanders, known as Kanakas, who were brought to Queensland to work on sugar plantations between 1863 and 1904. These Melanesian people, originally from Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia, were subjected to harsh conditions and often worked on properties like Mungalla after the White Australia Policy forced their deportation from the sugar industry. The cultural intersection between the Nywaigi people and the South Sea Islanders is an important aspect of the area’s history.
Cultural Significance of The Dreaming
The Aboriginal people of Mungalla and the surrounding areas have a rich mythology that has been passed down through generations. One of the most prominent stories is that of the Rainbow Serpent, a symbol of creation in Aboriginal culture. This mythical figure is said to have shaped the land and created the ridges, mountains, and gorges of the region. The Rainbow Serpent is also believed to control water, which is seen as life’s most precious resource.
The Tragic Story of Captive Lives
Mungalla’s history also includes the painful chapter of Indigenous people being taken from their homeland. In the 1990s, the story of these captive lives was brought to light through an exhibition at the National Library of Australia, “Captive Lives: Looking for Tambo and his Companions.” The exhibition focused on Tambo, a Nywaigi man from Mungalla, whose mummified body was discovered in a basement in Ohio, USA. Tambo’s remains were eventually returned to his homeland with the help of the Manbarra elders, where he was laid to rest.
Environmental and Cultural Preservation
Today, Mungalla remains a place of both environmental and cultural preservation. The property has long been known for its birdlife, with over 230 species recorded. The wetlands, home to numerous migratory birds, are an important feature of the property. Additionally, saltwater crocodiles inhabit the wetlands and Palm Creek, a reminder of the wild and untamed nature of the region.
The property has undertaken extensive wetlands rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species such as Hymenachne, a semi-aquatic grass that threatens the ecosystem. In collaboration with CSIRO and Greening Australia, Mungalla has made significant strides in restoring the wetlands and improving water quality in the region.
Tourism and Education
In recent years, tourism has become an important part of Mungalla’s mission. Visitors can learn about Aboriginal culture, the history of the property, and the ongoing environmental efforts at Mungalla. The "Captive Lives" exhibition is now housed in the homestead, where it serves as a powerful reminder of the past.
Mungalla is also a hub for educational experiences, with school groups visiting to learn about Indigenous culture, environmental conservation, and the history of the land. Through hands-on experiences, students participate in the property’s environmental projects, planting trees and helping with revegetation efforts.
Mungalla has received several prestigious awards, including the Queensland Tourism Award for Indigenous Tourism, and it continues to be a place of cultural pride and environmental stewardship for the Nywaigi people.
Looking to the Future
As Mungalla continues to thrive as a cultural and environmental center, the Nywaigi people remain committed to preserving their heritage and passing it on to future generations. The property is not only a place of historical significance but also a testament to the resilience and strength of the Nywaigi people, who have overcome centuries of adversity to reclaim their land and culture. Mungalla is truly a place where past and present come together to create a legacy for the future.
Contributed with thanks to Mungalla Station’s Environment and Tourism Officer Laura O’Connor.
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