by woppaburra
The Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation recently hosted our first annual Welcoming the Whales Festival on Saturday the 19th of September 2026 on Woppa (Great Keppel Island).
The event that was funded by the International US based, Seventh-Generation Fund for Indigenous People and the Reef Authority through the TUMRA program. The day aimed to bring the community together along with our partnering organisations to celebrate Country and Culture. It was pleasing to have so many Woppaburra people in attendance particularly those who travelled long distances to take part in the day including several of our elders.
We were able to share information on the cultural values of the island, focussing on our totem Mugga Mugga (Humpback Whale) and to explore some of our people’s history.
The day started with a boat tour circumnavigating the island and pointing out areas of cultural significance, the stories regarding them and our various project sites including coral restoration, seagrass mapping and oyster restoration areas.
“The highlight of the day was the appearance of the Woppaburra Clan totem, Mugga Mugga with several Whales putting on a spectacular show as we rounded the bend at Big Peninsula. At first there was excitement on the boat with everyone so keen to catch a glimpse of the action but after a while everyone went silent and experienced the awe and wonder of these extraordinary marine creatures. It was a moment of connection which was really special.
Rangers were on hand throughout the day to showcase the achievements of our organisation including the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program activities. Our elders had indicated their wish to see our young people returning to Country to take up their cultural responsibilities in caring for their traditional homelands as our ancestors once did. We hope to build on the achievements as we grow guided by our elders.” Woppaburra Elder Dr Sonny Van Issum said.
Ranger Tshinta Barney said “I feel all projects that we have completed are aligning with our values including preserving culture for future generations whilst maintaining a strong connection to Country and returning her to her natural beauty.”
Trey Batchelor from Warama Culture put on a traditional Kupmurrie (earth oven ) for lunch that was enjoyed by everyone. “A Kupmurrie isn’t just a way to prepare and cook food it’s a way to connect to country, remember those who taught you the process, our connection to ancestors and the deep spiritual connection to fire. It’s a chance for everyone to yarn and show their talents with a delicious reward at the end” Trey Said
Woppaburra Elder Uncle Fred Saunders said “I am impressed with the amount of work that has been done by our Rangers. It’s important to be returning to Country to come together to celebrate. Together we heal, together we go forward for our ancestors, our young people and our future generations. We are now out of survival mode, and we are now able to exercise our native title rights. Our young people can walk tall, heads held high, they are our future and they can be proud of their Woppaburra heritage.
A performance of the newly developed Welcoming the Whales dance was conceived and by Woppaburra men, Harry Whaleboat and Sonny Van Issum around the movements and spiral feeding habits of Mugga Mugga. This dance was built upon by our team and will continue to be refined each year.
“Performing a traditional dance on Country made me feel incredibly privileged. Standing among my people for my very first corroboree especially alongside my immediate family felt profoundly meaningful. It was an honour to lead that connection back to culture and Country through dance. The experience itself left me feeling spiritually connected, strong, and like a warrior.” Woppaburra Ranger Nakia Barney said.
We would like to acknowledge the support we have received from our Elders for their valued guidance, and our sister organisations the Woppaburra Land Trust and the Woppaburra Saltwater Aboriginal Corporation. We would also like to acknowledge the team at the Reef Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Australian Institute of Marine Science, Central Queensland University, Ecosure, OzFish Unlimited, Tangaroa Blue, CoralWatch, GKI Holiday Village and GKI Hideaway, Freedom Fast Cats and our wonderful Community.
We look forward to working with you all to develop the next Welcoming the Whales Festival set for 2027.