28/05/2026
🖤💛❤️Gunya to the Bunyas with Cherbourg at the Heart
Yesterday was a moment in time when the efforts of Gunya Meta were recognised at the 2026 Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ceremony, for the part we play in this countries Reconciliation journey.
What isn't seen in these formal ceremonies is the behind the scenes logisitics, the people that show up and the sacrifices of time and resources that are made for this experience to be brought to life.
Today, away from all the pomp and ceremony, we take time to give honour and respect to these sacrifices and sharings. To all who have been on the Gunya to the Bunyas with Cherbourg at the Heart journey with us over the past 3 years we thank you.
Firstly to the visionary of this Cultural Immersion camp, Aunty Faith Green, who selflessly and bravely shares her own personal songline of her Country and her childhood growing up on Cherbourg Mission.
🖤Dr John Davis J-g Davis, Riteways Education, who holds Indigenous Knowledges and Traditional Owner responsibilites of the Country where we hold our camp. His love and commitment to Country shines through him as he welcomes and grounds the participants each year, a massive honour that we can never repay or take for granted.
💛To all the volunteers, the Aunties and Uncles that keep the fires burning, so many can glean wisdom and information of the history of Cherbourg and the Shed Museum, who welcome us each year with open arms, hearts and big smiles, it is an absolute honour to hear your stories, and your Deadly Mayor Cherbourg Mayor Bruce Simpson for holding space and representing this amazing community locally, nationally and on the global stage.
❤️Shannon Bauwens and the Peoples Aboriginal Corporation the immense amount of knowledge you hold of your Country and are so willing to share each time we visit with such patience is a remarkable experience, your Dad jokes keep everyone entertained lol.
🖤Warren our Coaches bus driver who is now like family and does all the chores Aunty Faith gives him with no complaints, our MVP.
💛Our Paul Ramsay Foundation funded, Griffith University hosted team who supported us during the Pathways in Place project and did immense amount of work in the background to create our micro credential for this cultural immersion experience and all the work that went into navigating the university system for this to happen.
❤️The team from Mountain Accommodation who are always willing to help where they can with any requests we may have and such a great attitude.
🖤To our local Elders that have been on this trip and given their time and energy to help with cultural connections for each group.
Gunya to the Bunyas with Cherbourg at the Heart could not happen without these people and their organisations.
Last but by no means least to all the partners, our Gunya Meta trainees and community members that accepted the invite, for some the challenge, that was given to them personally, who sat in the space of learning and reflection, who shared openly and honestly and who continue their own journey and share back into their communities, families and organisations after their experience. We acknowledge the time away from family and friends and the resources that were sacrificed to attend, we hope you are better for this experience and being connected to this camp.
Foundation, Ramsay Foundation, Kingston East Neighbourhood Group, Connect, Griffith University
Kingston State School Familylinq, in Place, Deakin University, Mentoring, SSI - Settlement Services International, Berrinba East SS P&C Association, Life Without Barriers, , Trackers, , QLD Kids Partnerships, Brisbane South PHN, University of Tasmania, Foundation, Foundation, Society.
To our Alumni, thank you.
Bring on 2026
