Report on our visit to Moonaboola Meeting Place

            We visited Moonaboola Meeting Place, St Helens, near Maryborough on Sunday, March 1st, 2026

On our arrival, we were welcomed by Tina, who gave us an overview of the programs, workshops and resources. These aim to empower Indigenous people to improve their lives in a culturally safe environment.
Moonaboola Butchulla is the traditional name for the Mary River. "Moonaboola flows from the Conondale Range north as far as Hervey Bay to Great Sandy Strait. The river connects us all between the mountains and the sea, symbolizing life flowing through us. For thousands of years the Mary River and tributaries provided a pathway for Aboriginal groups including the Butchulla, Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara". https://www.moonaboolameetingplace.org/

We were shown through their building and enjoyed looking at the artwork. There was an amazing collection of
heavy equipment which is used to help train those involved in housing, building conservation and employment.
Most of the support is done by volunteers, with only minimal financial support from the government.
Tina took us on the Bush Tucker Trail where we tried some fruits from native bush tucker trees. I remember
seeing some grasses on the trail – Kangaroo grass, Barbwire grass and Cockatoo grass.
A propagating tunnel has been erected for propagating all native trees, grasses and vines, which supplies the
nursery outside. Students have been weaving, using fibres such as milkweed, to make craft items. Recycling
and conservation happen here.

We were shown through their building and enjoyed looking at the artwork. There was an amazing collection of
heavy equipment which is used to help train those involved in housing, building conservation and employment.
Most of the support is done by volunteers, with only minimal financial support from the government.
Tina took us on the Bush Tucker Trail where we tried some fruits from native bush tucker trees. I remember
seeing some grasses on the trail – Kangaroo grass, Barbwire grass and Cockatoo grass.
A propagating tunnel has been erected for propagating all native trees, grasses and vines, which supplies the
nursery outside. Students have been weaving, using fibres such as milkweed, to make craft items. Recycling
and conservation happen here.

Moonaboola Meeting Place acknowledges the Butchulla (Badtjala) people as the traditional owners and
custodians of the lands and waters of our beautiful region. We pay respect to their Elders- past, present and
emerging. Moonaboola Meeting Place recognises that these have always been places of cultural, spiritual,
social and economic significance to Butchulla people and respect the spiritual relationships and stories that
have developed over tens of thousands of years on this country. This is living culture and remains important to
the Butchulla people.
Moonaboola Meeting Place recognises and honours the three laws of the Butchulla people:
- What is good for the land must come first
- Do not touch or take anything that is not yours
- If you have plenty, you must share.
This rich heritage and the strength and prosperity of the Aboriginal people is important to the resilient, vibrant
community we envision.