A ground-breaking agreement has been signed by The University of Queensland and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), to undertake joint research and development projects.

The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will allow UQ and QYAC collaboration in UQ facilities and on North Stradbroke Island.

UQ Provost Professor Aidan Byrne said the collaboration was a win for all, and an example of UQ’s close relationship with the Quandamooka people.

“This partnership is an example of how we can combine UQ’s research and teaching expertise with the unique knowledge and perspectives of the Quandamooka traditional owners, advancing ideas and creating opportunities,” he said.

“It will offer UQ students, researchers and the Quandamooka community opportunities for study, work experience, internships and job placements.

“Importantly, the MOU will ensure UQ activities on Quandamooka Country acknowledge and respect customary ownership, cultural heritage and the traditional knowledge of the Quandamooka people.

“This is in line with UQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan – our commitment to building respectful relationships and opportunities between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.”

UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said the agreement was a valuable opportunity to learn from the community’s deep understanding of North Stradbroke Island’s flora and fauna.

“North Stradbroke Island will be the perfect place to connect traditional knowledge with UQ’s scientific community, particularly now UQ students and researchers are able to participate in QYAC programs.

“This is an exciting collaboration, and UQ is looking forward to researchers, locals and tourists benefiting from this meeting of minds and cultures.”

The facility is a significant project in the Queensland Government’s North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Economic Transition Strategy, with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad participating in the signing ceremony.

Image about left: (L-R) Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation CEO Cameron Costello, Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Science Professor Melissa Brown and UQ Provost Professor Aidan Byrne.

Media: Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.