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Place markers

Project overview

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) now features 3 place markers that share Quandamooka stories and traditions with locals and visitors; one in each of the townships.

The first 2 place markers were delivered by Redland City Council in partnership with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).

Quandamooka artist Belinda Close’s work entitled Mirriginpah is at Cabarita Park on the waterfront at Pulan (Amity Point). Mirriginpah features an intricately detailed stainless steel mirriginpah (sea eagle) soaring above a pod of dolphins.

Ms Close’s work is inspired by the story of mirriginpah, who for many years lived in a nest in a tall tree on a hill overlooking Pulan, and was carefully watched by the Quandamooka People as the season of mullet schooling drew near. When the mullet arrived, mirriginpah was seen flying quickly seaward, alerting the Quandamooka People to bring out their tow-rows (nets) and prepare for the catch. The artwork is also a weathervane.

Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ work entitled Eugarie is at Mulumba (Point Lookout). The eugarie shell is symbolic of people coming together. On this side of the island, remnants of these shells provide evidence of places of gathering for the Quandamooka people and the significance of this food source. Standing upright, the eugarie shells appear as they are often found in shallow water, within the sand and on the midden. Their deliberate placement allows viewers to walk through and around feeling the texture of the weathered shell.

Artist and Quandamooka Songman Joshua Walker was commissioned by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) to deliver the third place marker which was installed in Gumpi (Dunwich) in early 2022. The artwork shares the story of Kabul (the carpet snake), the totem ancestor of the Quandamooka people and protector of all creatures, and reveals the connection of Quandamooka People to all Aboriginal people.

Benefits

  • Promote Quandamooka artists, culture, history and storytelling

  • Educate visitors on Jandai language and traditional place name

  • Enhance visitor experience and sense of place

Last updated: 25 Jul 2022