Darumbal On Country at Mugul (Moores Creek) Preview

Mayimba (welcome) to Rockhampton, Queensland.

Mayimbagu Darumbal Nunthi – Welcome to Darumbal Country. Darumbal is the name of the Aboriginal people who have lived in, and call this part of Central Queensland Yaamba (home), for thousands of years. We come from thousands of generations of strong proud people. A physical, spiritual and emotional relationship, has existed between our country and ourselves from time immemorial. Today, we Darumbal people continue to practice our ancient culture and speak our language, which we now happily share with all others who also call this area Yaamba. Darumbal people are proud that they and other Indigenous people have worked hard in all different industries alongside non-Indigenous people to help make this place what it is today.

Yadaba wiyi binbigu yinhami narni gunhami wu mundarragu ngallirranga dabu nguga binbi narragu yirragu muli galagan. Please respect and be good to this country that gives life to us all, enjoy yourselves, and stay safe.

Nhaya Nicky Hatfield, Darumbal Elder

Moores Creek was an important creek for the Darumbal People. They would often camp along the bank to be close to food and fresh water, particularly when there was no other fresh water around. Camps would be set up on the northern and southern side of Tunuba (Fitzroy River) and the Darumbal People would swim or canoe across the river and camp at Moores Creek.

The Darumbal People’s cultural connection to Moores Creek is very strong. It has been rooted in the soil for over 60,000 years. Their connection to the land is of great significance from the creeks to the rivers, mountains and their people. The Darumbal people stand together as one people. Their traditions have continued to play a vital role throughout every generation from great grandparents to great grandchildren. Even non-indigenous community speak the ‘lingo’ – sharing in the cultural identity of the land.

Moores Creek was a great source of sustenance for the Darumbal People. Fish traps were made to catch perch, sleepy cod, and prawns from the mouth of the creek. The traps were set in the creek where it wasn’t too deep or wide. The fish would be caught as the tide was going in and coming out.

The local flora and fauna along Moores Creek were valuable resources for both food and shelter. Along the banks, the Darumbal People would hunt wallabies, koalas, porcupines, possums, bandicoots and wild turkeys were hunted for food. Wallabies were not only used as a source of food, but their fur kept them warm during the winter. Most animals were easy enough to catch. When the wild turkeys would climb the trees, the Darumbal People would use a rock, boomerang or spear to catch them. The bark from the trees were also used to create shelters.

Moores Creek provided an abundance of herbs that could be used for healing. The convenience of a chemist was non-existent and so the banks of creeks, like this, provided a great source of healing properties. For example, the Darumbal People would use the Milky Fig to keep away mosquitos. Other flora, such as Bunga from the Bottlebrush Tree could be burned and used as a deterrent to keep mosquitos away. This technique is stilled used today.

Darumbal People are the Traditional Custodians of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Area.

Darumbal People have a strong continuous connection to Darumbal Land and Sea Country. With the intent to move forward and provide opportunities for progress and growth of the Darumbal people, they protect all aspects of their culture that have been a part of their history for thousands of years.

Under the State of Queensland legislation, Darumbal Enterprise is the Cultural Heritage Body for the Darumbal Native Title Claim area. Their purpose is to undertake cultural heritage in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

Darumbal Cultural Heritage Team offer valuable consultation and facilitation services to ensure cultural heritage obligations are achieved. They have extensive knowledge of Darumbal Country, environment, lore, customs, areas of significance and artefacts.

Darumbal Enterprises offer many services including support programs, educational workshops and ceremony services.

Advance Rockhampton proudly work in consultation with Darumbal Enterprises as the traditional custodians of Darumbal Country.