Giabal
Traditional custodians of the Toowoomba area on the eastern Darling Downs, the Giabal people have deep connections to the volcanic soils and springs of the Great Dividing Range.
Words to know
The Giabal people The Giabal people are the Traditional Owners of the Toowoomba area and surrounding eastern Darling Downs region in south-east Queensland. Their country encompasses the rich volcanic soils of the range and the upper reaches of the Condamine River system. The Giabal are linguistically related to the Bundjalung language chain of northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland. The Toowoomba region has been home to the Giabal people for tens of thousands of years. The name "Toowoomba" itself likely derives from "Tor-woom-ba," a local Aboriginal word for a small native melon that grew abundantly in the area. The springs and watercourses of the range provided reliable water sources and supported diverse plant and animal life that sustained Giabal communities. The Giabal people share custodianship of the Toowoomba area with the neighbouring Jarowair people, whose country extends to the north. Together they maintained the landscape through sophisticated land management practices and participated in the great Bunya Nut gatherings held in the nearby Bunya Mountains.
Places to go
Made with love in Meanjin
Always will be is a privately run, Aboriginal owned and led project that aims to improve the connection people feel to country and the understanding people have about Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, history and people.