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Members of the Wulgurukaba people have officially opened a yarning circle at RAAF Base Townsville with a smoking ceremony.
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The ceremony brought together local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Townsville Defence communities at the base on Gurrumbilbarra country.
Guests were greeted with a welcome to country, a traditional dance by the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts and song performed by descendants of members of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshall Robert Chipman, Warrant Officer Air Force Ralph Clifton, senior ADF officer Wing Commander Naomi Gill, Air Force Indigenous Liaison Officer Corporal Shay Butler, senior enlisted ADF members, and invited guests attended the ceremony.
CPL Butler said the yarning circle was an important place for the entire community.
“The yarning circle is a culturally appropriate place where Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the Australian Defence Force and wider defence community can safely meet and hold ceremonies,” CPL Butler said.
“It also acknowledges our connection to country and is one way for us to learn more about the land the base is located on.
“It is a special place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders People at Townsville to come and meet and reflect and tell their stories and is available for people of all cultures to do the same.”
The Wulgurukaba Traditional Custodian group, elders, and respected leaders from neighbouring communities were involved throughout all stages of the project. Almost all materials used to create the culturally safe space were repurposed and sourced on base.
“Instead of using external contractors for the build, we engaged Indigenous aviators and employees who work on base,” CPL Butler said.
“We wanted to ensure that the entire base had a sense of responsibility and ownership of the yarning circle, with people from all backgrounds and cultures involved in bringing the site to life.”
Fifth Aviation Regiment Leading Aircraftman Chris Morganson, who had worked on the project since its inception, unveiled the plaque during the ceremony alongside Wulgurukaba elder Aunty Virginia Wyles.
For Wing Commander Naomi Gill, the ceremony and opening of the yarning circle was special.
“It brought First Nation Australians from Wulgurukaba, Bindal and Torres Strait communities together, along with aviators, soldiers, public sector personnel, contractors, and supporting agencies from RAAF Base Townsville,” WGCDR Gill said.
“Seeing it come to fruition makes me very happy.”
CPL Butler said the space around the yarning circle would continue to develop and grow.
“There are plans for traditional artwork, as well as the planting of native species localised to Gurrumbilbarra country,” she said.
