Showing 1 results

Archival description
Oodgeroo Noonuccal Papers North Stradbroke Island (Qld.)
Advanced search options
Print preview View:

Papers relating to Moongalba and North Stradbroke Island

The papers in this series relate to Kath Walker's involvement in North Stradbroke Island issues in general, and also more specifically to Moongalba on North Stradbroke Island.

Stradbroke island was a large sand island that formed in Moreton Bay, off the coast of Brisbane, Queensland, that split into two islands in the late 19th century: North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island. The Quandamooka people are the traditional custodians of North Stradbroke Island. North Stradbroke Island, also known as Straddie or Minjerribah, is where Kath Walker spent much of her life. It has been home for many years to the Noonuccal (or Nunukul), Nughi and Goenpul people. The papers relating to North Stradbroke Island reflect Kath's involvement in issues such as opposition to sand-mining on the island, and opposition to a proposed bridge connecting North Stradbroke Island with the mainland.

Moongalba was established by Kath Walker as a cultural education centre in 1971. It was visited extensively by school children, as well as teachers, students, academics, writers and others. Kath Walker was initially granted a twenty-five year lease to the land by the Redland Shire Council; this was later extended to her lifetime. However, she was never granted legal title to the land, despite the support of many influential people. In 1979 Kath Walker prepared a submission to the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs, requesting financial assistance and support in obtaining title to the land. Her application was never answered.