Maleny

Hinterland town on the Blackall Range in Jinibara Country, home to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Munimba-ja Aboriginal Art Centre, and historically a gathering place for Bunya nut festivals where multiple nations would meet every third year.

Maleny always was and always will be Jinibara land

The Jinibara people Jinibara people are Traditional Owners of Country in the Blackall Range, D'Aguilar Range and Conondale Range areas of the hinterland north-west of Brisbane. The name Jinibara comes from 'jini' (lawyer vine) and 'bara' (people)—they are the people of the lawyer vine. Jinibara comprises four sub-groups: Dungidjau, Dalla, Garumnga and Nalbo. They are known for their historic hosting of Bunya (Bonyi) nut festivals which drew gatherings of many nations every third year, and continue to maintain cultural practices, language revitalisation, and ceremonies on their Country. In 2012, Jinibara were formally recognised with native title rights to their traditional lands.

Alternative Spellings

JinibarraDungidjauDallaWakawakaDjunggidjauDungidau

Jason Murphy

Art & Culture

Munimba-ja Arts Centre

Aboriginal-run art centre, gallery and culture space on unceded Jinibara Country in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Tours

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – Jinibara Country Tours

Walking trails and cultural experiences in a nature reserve on Jinibara Country within the Blackall Range.

Food & drink

Ocean View Estates – Restaurant & Winery

Award-winning Modern Australian restaurant and vineyard on 100 acres of hinterland. Menu inspired by native ingredients.

Food & drink

Maleny Botanic Gardens – Bush Tucker Café

Café within Maleny Botanic Gardens partnering with Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation. Features Bush Tucker gardens.

Resources

SEQILC – Learn Jinibara Language Online

Online interactive lessons introducing key Jinibara language words and phrases, developed by South East Queensland Indigenous Languages Co-operative and based on Blackall Range community knowledge.

Jinibara History – Blackall Range

Comprehensive historical and cultural article about the Jinibara people, the Blackall Range and the bunya nut gathering traditions, written by a Brisbane-based historian.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – Jinibara Country

Queensland Parks page describing Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve as sitting on Jinibara Country and explaining the cultural significance of the Blackall Range.

Munimba-ja Aboriginal Art Centre

Community-run Aboriginal Art Centre in Maleny on Jinibara Country, showcasing Jinibara artwork, crafts and cultural experiences.

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.

EMAILyarn@alwayswillbe.com