AN Indigenous education program where students can touch, taste, feel and experience traditional culture has been awarded a $454,000 Federal Government grant.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien announced funding to Goombuckar Creations to help pay for new infrastructure to enhance the successful Triballink Program based at the Queensland Conference and Camping Centre (QCCC) in Mapleton.
The new funding will enable the construction of an eco-dining deck for tasting Indigenous meals, a shade sail for all-weather protection, tiered seating and smoking racks.
The grant would also pay for a new trailer fitted out as a mobile classroom to conduct school visits to educate students on Indigenous culture in line with the curriculum.
“Triballink delivers a fully immersive Indigenous experience for school groups with bush food, traditional dance, story-telling, artefacts and more,” said Mr O’Brien.
“This funding will take the experience to the next level and allow them to conduct even more authentic Aboriginal activities with all new infrastructure.”
Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said the cultural centre was a truly invaluable community resource which delivered an important education experience for all Australians who visited.
“Anyone who visits the centre as I have will get a chance to learn more about the history, customs, artefacts and language of the Jinibara people and this additional investment we’re announcing will give Triballink even more capacity to deliver their programme to greater numbers of school students.
“I am delighted to be supporting such an important programme and thank Ted O’Brien for his strong advocacy on behalf of Triballink to make this funding a reality,” Minister Scullion said.
Goombuckar Creations director Kerry Neill, a member of the Kabi Kabi tribe, said it was his dream to run a cultural program to share the stories of Indigenous people with thousands of students each year.
“I love stories. The first thing I do when I talk to my grandmother is ask her what stories she has and Triballink is a place where we can bring stories to life,” said Mr Neill.
“I can’t stop smiling about this grant. It will turn our experience from awesome to spectacular. It’s a game-changer that will lift the facility and enhance the program.”
“We are conducting the Triballink program on the traditional land of the Jinibara people and I would like to give special honour to them for being a part of it and endorsing it.”
QCCC director Andrew Grant said Triballink was aimed at students as well as international study groups.
“We already have a base of about 20,000 students through QCCC each year who will have access to this remarkable space,” said Mr Grant.
“The Triballink Centre is a hub of cultural awareness where students can go on bush food walks, get immersed in an authentic encampment, experience a Corroboree and listen to storytelling.”
For more information about group bookings and day and night programs call QCCC on 54563600 or visit www.triballink.com.au