Today started out as an overcast day. The crew from MarkyG Enterprises was about to embark on an adventure from Cairns to Jumbun. Jumbun is approximately a 2-and-a-half-hour drive south of Cairns, located in Girramay Country. We were contracted by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation to photograph the festivities for the Jumbun Limited 45th Anniversary, and Naidoc Week Celebrations.
Once the team from MarkyG Enterprises arrived in Jumbun, it was almost time to get straight into work. We were there to work on behalf of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, Jumbun Limited had organised days’ worth of celebrations including an opening ceremony, colour fun run community event, Elders dinner, and Rainforest Cricket Cup games.
Jumbun has a population of approximately 140 people from the Girramay and Dyirbal Aboriginal Nations, with Jirrbal and Gulnay people also sharing the community. The 243-ha property consists of 26 residential houses, a Community Hall, medical centre and agricultural paddocks.
The day started out with many smiles and a sense of pride, plus happiness in the air. That energy was taken into the march that happened around the community before the official proceedings took place. Jumbun’s history is proud and determined. Since its establishment on 6 June 1978, Jumbun Limited has worked hard, making it their mission to take control of their land, create meaningful employment, provide social housing, and increase economic development for its members.
“The Jumbun community recognise the best way to move forward is to explore ways in which we can build self-sustainability and use our natural resources to create economic opportunities that respect our land, culture and heritage,” said Ms Huxley. Nicole Huxley is the Jumbun Limited Office Manager. She shared the aspirations of the community which include leading future decision-making without reliance on the government, growing the local economy, and retaining traditional ecological knowledge, to create resilient pathways for future generations
It was also amazing to be able to hear from the young kids of Jumbun as well. Many of them were talking about the power of education, being able to stay on country, and being able to have a future in their own community. The kids also made a huge part of the opening ceremony, when they hit the floor as part of the dance group doing the welcome ceremony.
The team here at MarkyG Enterprises felt privileged to be able to be part of the day. Be there to be able to document and record a small part of the history of Jumbun. But most of all wish Jumbun Limited well for another 45 years plus as they move forward to achieving their goals and aspirations.
