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National Trust celebrates cultural heritage through First Nations cultural histories, traditions, and heritage and immigrant history that has shaped our modern multicultural society.
National Trust is proud to represent diverse communities and histories throughout Queensland. We are dedicated to authentically sharing the diverse cultures and histories of communities state-wide.
National Trust celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures from Currumbin to Cooktown and honours the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Queensland. NTAQ acknowledges the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the many traditional lands and language groups of Queensland. We thank them for caring for Country, the lands, waters, flora, fauna.
We are currently in the process of finalising our second reconciliation action plan, ensuring cultural significance is showcased through our heritage sites state-wide. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary proudly presents a daily Aboriginal dance and culture show, highlighting the deep connection the local Yugambeh peoples have with Country. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to cultural learning sites such as a yarning circle, where tailored Aboriginal education programs are taught to students of all year levels.
NTAQ’s newest property, Garima Conservation Reserve, in Currumbin Valley is also being developed as a First Nations Tourism venue. Stay tuned for more details to come on the fabulous work being done to build industry leading programs that are inclusive and empower the local First Nations community.
Further north Cooktown Museum houses significant artefacts from the local Indigenous communities. In 2019, the precinct received a major redevelopment, creating dual – narrative story telling and truth telling of colonisation and the first interactions local Traditional Owners had with Lt. Cook. Cooktown Museum also features multiple artistic works by local First Nations artists from the Hopevale Community Art Centre.
We also celebrate the rich immigrant history and the culture and heritage of people that arrived from far off lands, bringing with them their cultures, their traditions, and their stories.
By the 1870s German and Italian migrants were attracted to the Queensland goldfields and with them, they brought their lively culture and traditions. Chinese immigrants also flooded to the goldfields in search of their fortune and a better life.
In 1888, the Sisters of Mercy left Ireland and arrived to the northern tropics of Cooktown. The convent was built by local townspeople (that now houses the Cooktown Museum). They survived the extreme heat in their heavy habits, setting up schools in Northern Queensland towns including Cooktown and Atherton. In Atherton, we also celebrate cultural traditions at our Chinese museum, Hou Wang Temple.
We are glad to share the stories of immigrants to Queensland and the significant impact on the cultural heritage of Queensland towns. These stories help to remind us of times gone by, in a world which was more simple, yet more difficult than today.
National Trust of Australia (Queensland) has a long-standing commitment to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, peoples, cultures and histories, and is committed to building on existing relationships and creating further opportunities.
The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) believes it can play an important role in creating a future where communities can work together to celebrate their similarities and differences.
National Trust of Australia (Queensland) is committed to working with communities on cultural advocacy issues. Our most recent example of this is our work with the Cooktown community to recognise the significance of Reconciliation Rocks in Australian history.
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