March 24, 2014
The Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation held its second annual “Community Day” at the Bunya Mountains on Saturday – a gathering of indigenous and non-indigenous people to celebrate the history and values of the Bunya Mountains.
BPAC chairman and Bunya elder Mal Collinge said the day attracted about 120 people.
It began with a smoking ceremony, followed by performances of traditional dances by groups from Cherbourg and Ipswich.
A bus tour and cultural walks allowed visitors to explore parts of the National Park before enjoying lunch on the lawn at Dandabah.
Mr Collinge said people had travelled from as far afield as Goondiwindi for the day and he hoped it could become an annual event.
The community day echoes the traditional Bunya Nut festivals of the past when Aboriginal people from all over south-east Queensland and northern NSW would gather at the mountains and nearby areas to feast on bunya nuts.
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