WELCOME TO THE GUNGGANDJI-MANDINGALBAY YIDINJI PEOPLES PRESCRIBED BODY CORPORATE ABORIGINAL CORPORATION RNTBC
The combined Mandingalbay Yidinji-Gunggandji Peoples Native Title Determination (QCD2012/008) was determined by the Federal Court of Australia on 21 September 2012 and resulted in registration of the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate (‘the GMYPPBC’) as the registered native title body corporate incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).
On 21 December 2015, the majority of the determination area was transferred to the GMYPPBC as alienable freehold under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (Qld) (“the ALA”). Following the ALA transfer, the GMYPPBC became the Trustees and land owner for the Transferred Area. The PBC manages this land comprising of 8,200 hectares on behalf of the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji native title holders. Approximately 80% of the area is also covered by a World Heritage dedication and the values of the area are culturally and ecologically significant, and management of these values and the natural environment are very important to the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji People.
The GMYPPBC is a standalone corporation and manages their land on behalf of the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji native title holders. The GMYPPBC and its members have aspirations for their land (Trustee Area) and currently exploring the potential for sustainable development opportunities to support improved environmental, economic and social activities through amendments to the Yarrabah Planning scheme and internal strategic management plans, such as creating sustainable eco cultural and environmental outcomes through the implementation of the GMYPPBC Masterplan and ongoing funding for the GMY Ranger Program.
LAND TRANSFER UNDER THE ABORIGINAL LAND ACT 1991 (QLD)
TRANSFER ILUA
Transfer ILUA (Transferred Area)
The Combined Mandingalbay Yidinji Gunggandji Yarrabah DOGIT Transfer Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) is an agreement between:
- the State of Queensland (applicant);
- Les Murgha and Charles Garling on their own behalf and on behalf of the Gunggandji People;
- Vincent Mundraby on his own behalf and on behalf of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People; and
- the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
The agreement was made on 12/09/2011.
The purpose of this agreement is for the parties to provide their consent to the transfer of an area of land under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (Qld) (ALA) and the granting of that land as Aboriginal Land.
The official transfer took place on 21 December 2015. Former Chairman of the Gunggandji Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, Vince Mundraby (Deceased), was interviewed by the Cairns Post at the Transfer Ceremony and shared the land was going back to its rightful owners.
“Now ... it will be managed properly, the right way, the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples way, our way,” he said.
“This will enable our community to develop an environmental economy, using our land, people and culture while transmitting to future generations a sustainable economy in a culturally appropriate manner that delivers a better quality of life.”
Following the Transfer the GMYPPBC became the Trustee for the Transferred Area and the ILUA has now expired. The 'GMYPPBC Trustee Area' is shaded green on the map below.
Council Trustee Area (Non-Transferred Area)
In accordance with the Transfer ILUA, the Yarrabah Shire Aboriginal Corporation ('the Council') retained Trusteeship for the non-transferrable area. The non-transferrable area is comprised of the roads and lease areas surveyed as part of the Block Holder ILUA. The existing Leases in the non-transferrable area are agreements between the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council and the Lessee. All new Expressions of Interests relating to the land within the 'Council Trustee Area' are required to be addressed to the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council and will be dealt with through the Local Government ILUA between Council and the GMYPPBC.
The 'Council Trustee Area' is shaded pink on the map below.
MASTERPLAN PROJECT
Planning for our Future
PURPOSE OF THE MASTERPLAN
In the Yarrabah Town Planning Scheme (‘the Plan’), the GMYPPBC Trustee area is currently zoned as a Conservation Zone.
In 2017, the GMYPPBC commenced a Masterplan Project developed in consultation with GMYPPBC Board of Directors, GMYPPBC Members and common law native title holders, the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Wet Tropics Management Authority to undertake a feasibility assessment and review of the Yarrabah Shire Council Town Planning Scheme, to identify whether land within the GMYPPBC Area can be included in a zone other than conservation and environmental protection and/or increase the range of uses and activities permitted under the current zoning.
The Master Plan Project will enable the GMYPPBC Board of Directors and GMY People to identify development and economic opportunities to support the ongoing development of Yarrabah to create a sustainable and more prosperous living environment. This includes the initial establishment of a planning framework for development and use (a 'Masterplan') and the ongoing management of the lands in the Southern Trustee Area (in terms of economic, social and environmental outcomes).
The Masterplan and Strategic Plan will be used to assist the GMYPPBC to advance the interests and aspirations of the GMY People.
The GMYPPBC Masterplan is still under development and consultation with the stakeholders is ongoing and subject to ongoing funding.
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
There is currently no Indigenous Land Use Agreement in place to grant residential leases or development in the GMYPPBC Area.
While the GMYPPBC Masterplan Project is underway and in the interest of best practice, fairness and transparency, the Board of Directors have resolved that the GMYPPBC will not accept any expressions of interests or commence work on the ILUA to approve any leases within the GMYPPBC Trustee Area until such time as the GMYPPBC Masterplan has been developed in consultation with the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji People. Following the development of the Masterplan, the organisation will undertake consultation with the GMY People to develop, authorise and register an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) specific to the granting of leases and development for the areas zoned for residential and development purposes within the Trustee Area.
With the agreement and support of DATSIP those areas that are considered feasible and zoned for residential purpose will be surveyed and the GMYPPBC will develop an Expression of Interest Policy and Procedure process for residential lease applications and development applications in accordance with the ILUA and zonings determined in GMYPPBC Masterplan & Yarrabah Town Planning Scheme.
BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN & ARCHITECTURE DESIGN PROJECT
BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
As part of our consultation and research work led by our Planning Consultants Ethos Urban, we have identified that planning for bushfire protection is required to inform the amendments to the Yarrabah Town Planning scheme, particularly the location and design of future settlements and activities on GMYP Lands. We have sought funding from DATSIP to engage leading Fire Specialists Litoria Group to undertake this work and develop a Fire Management Plan on behalf of and in constulation with the GMYPPBC.
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN PROJECT
To achieve the aspirations of the GMY Peoples we sought funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation to engage Philip Follent Architecture Firm to consult with the GMY Peoples and develop concept designs for homes that will compliment extended family make up and intergenerational living arrangements, and promote and motivate home ownership in the GMYPPBC Trustee Area.
Through consultation sessions with Philip Follent the GMY People will identify and create design concepts for culturally environmentally sustainable housing within the GMYPPBC Trustee Area, that will be incorporated into the GMYPPBC Masterplan and Yarrabah Town Planning Scheme and enable socio-economic deliverables, such as home ownership, job creation, small business enterprise, protection and management of cultural heritage values, industry growth within the Yarrabah Peninsula and positively influence the social well being of the Yarrabah community.
CONSULTATIONS & GMYPPBC MEMBERSHIP
CONSULTATIONS
Initial consultations have been undertaken with the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji People during 2017-2019. There will be further community consultations with the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples scheduled over the next six months to discuss and finalise the Masterplan Project and we encourage your attendance at these meetings.
If you are a member of the Guragulu, Gurabana and Mandingalbay Yidinji People and wish to attend these consultations, please email gmyppbc@gmail.com and request to be added to our mailing list.
PBC MEMBERSHIP
The GMYPPBC Membership comprises of the Guragulu, Gurabana and Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples.
Clause 18 and 19 GMYPPBC Rulebook (Constitution) outlines the Membership eligibility requirements and process for applying for Membership with the GMYPPBC.
The GMYPPBC Rulebook and Membership application form are available for download from the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations (ORIC) website: www.oric.gov.au
GMYPPBC
Ranger Program
The Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate’s Reef Assist Ranger Project commenced in February 2021 after securing funding from the Queensland Government's Reef Assist program in collaboration with the Wet Tropics Management Authority.
Seven Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinij (GMY Rangers) completed a Certificate III in Conservation Land Management with Tafe Queensland and a wide range of complimentary training.
We are extremely proud of the GMY Ranger team and their achievements. It has been a pleasure to watch the GMY Rangers grow and develop a wide range of new skills and qualifications that can be applied in the field to achieve positive land management outcomes on Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji country.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority's Executive Director Scott Buchanan said, "the Authority appreciates the great work undertaken by the GMYPPBC team in the delivery of the Reef Assist program and in providing employment and training to unemployed and underemployed locals while investing in on ground restoration and cultural activities".
Queensland Indigenous Land & Sea Ranger Program:
The GMYPPBC leveraged from the Reef Assist Ranger program funding to secure funding from the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program to continue to engage the Ranger Coordinator and three rangers from the original Reef Assist Ranger Program. In addition, GMYPPBC secured extension funding from the Reef Assist Program through to November 2022, which has enabled us to retain our remaining Ranger team members.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work - Work Skills Traineeships:
In 2023, the GMPPBC secured funding from the Queensland Government's Work Skills Traineeship Program to engage 8 Trainee Rangers for 26 weeks to complete a Work Skills Traineeship. During the Traineeship, these trainee rangers will undertake anationally accredited Certificate I in Conservation and Eco Systems Management with Tafe Queenslandand a series of complimentary training to support safe work practices and employability post completion of the traineeship. The traineeship program has been specifically designed to develop vocational and employability skills and provide the trainee rangers with a pathway to employment following the completion of the traineeship in September 2023.
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work Project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government. Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds not for profit community organisations like the GMYPPBC to deliver projects that respond to the needs of local job seekers and employment opportunities in the area.
Following this recruitment process, we identified there is a huge demand for ranger positions. To assist with responding to this demand, GMYPPBC has submitted another funding application for the DESBT Work Skills Traineeship program to host a second trainee ranger traineeship program in 2024. (NB. This second intake is not guaranteed and will be subject to DESBT approval).
Future Ranger positions:
We will continue to seek ongoing funding to support and retain the GMY Ranger team and provide more employment and environmental outcomes on Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji land and sea country.
For regular updates on the Ranger Program, please visit and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages (@gmyppbc) and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for view our videos (@gmyrangers)
Partnerships:
The GMYPPBC values partnerships and wishes to acknowledge and thank our partners and staff for their time and support. We look forward to continuing our partnerships and achieving many more positive outcomes for the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji People in partnership with our stakeholders and partners.
Special mention to our Project Partners: Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program, Wet Tropics Management Authority, David Stanton 3D Environmental, Wugu Nyambil, VPG Partnerships, MAS Experience, Djunbunji Ltd, Tafe Queensland, Rural Fire Service, Tangaroa Blue, TropWATER, Reef Restoration Foundation, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Blue Planet Marine, DESBT and the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
GMYPPBC Ranger Team
Justin Keyes
Ranger Trainee Supervisor
Cadmas Sands
Ranger Trainee Supervisor
Frederick Lefoe
Ranger
Brody Gray
Ranger Placement
Great Barrier Reef & Marine Parks Region QPWS
Terrie Mundraby
Trainee Admin Officer
GMYPPBC Ranger Trainee Team
Skilling Queenslanders for Work - Work Skills Traineeship Program
Keith Ambrym
Ranger Trainee
Dion Sands
Ranger Trainee
Yitzhak Bulmer
Ranger Trainee
Stirling King
Ranger Trainee
Meegan Fourmile
Ranger Trainee
Djullja Mundraby
Ranger Trainee
Rakim Schrieber
Ranger Trainee
GOVERNANCE
The GMYPPBC is registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) and is classified as a Medium sized corporation.
The GMYPPBC Board of Directors are elected by the GMYPPBC Membership at the Annual General Meeting and represents the Guragulu, Gurabana and Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples.
The current elected GMYPPBC Board of Directors are outlined below:
Daniel Noble - Gurabana
Ailsa Lively - Guragulu
Carmille Pearson - Guragulu
Tiana Yeatman - Guragulu
Victor Bulmer - Mandingalbay Yidinji
Jabalum Mundraby - Mandingalby Yidinji
Dewayne Mundraby - Mandingalbay Yidinji (Chairperson)
The Board of Directors have appointed Helen Tait as the Executive Officer to implement the strategic plan and oversee the operations of the Corporation.
VISITOR ACCESS PROTOCOL
The GMYPPBC Board of Directors have established visitor access protocols for accessing the GMYPPBC area, which are set out as follows as an acknowledgment of respect:
Non-residents of Yarrabah are required to register their visit by contacting the GMYPPBC Executive Officer. For all access enquiries, please email: gmyppbc@gmail.com
Non-residents of Yarrabah are required to be accompanied by or have the permission of a Guragulu, Gurabana or Mandingalbay Yidinji Person to access the area.
All visitors are required to comply with relevant Local Government, State Government and Commonwealth Government legislation.
All visitors are required to comply with the Cultural Heritage Act Qld 2003 (Qld).
OUR PARTNERS
The Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate strives to be a catalyst for positive change for the Yarrabah Community and acknowledge that to achieve this vision we must link arms, collaborate and build relationships with partners and stakeholders.
We take this opportunity to recognise and thank our valued partners for their support, funding and assistance, and look forward to continuing our partnerships to achieve the Gungandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples aspirations for their country, people and culture.
