Gurambilbarra

The Wulgurukaba people The Wulgurukaba people are the Traditional Owners of a large area of coastal north Queensland, including Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), the Palm Islands (Bwgcolman), and the mainland coast around what is now Townsville. Their name means "canoe people," reflecting their deep connection to the sea and their skilled use of watercraft to travel between the islands and mainland. Wulgurukaba country encompasses tropical coastline, mangrove estuaries, offshore islands, and the foothills of the coastal ranges. The warm tropical waters provided abundant fish, dugong, turtle, and shellfish, while the mainland offered a rich variety of plant foods, game, and fresh water. Castle Hill (Garrabarra), the granite monolith overlooking Townsville, is a significant cultural landmark. The relationship between the mainland and island environments shaped Wulgurukaba culture and seasonal movement patterns. Today, the Wulgurukaba people share custodianship of the greater Townsville region with the Bindal people. Together they maintain cultural heritage through community organisations, Welcome to Country ceremonies, and cultural education programs. The Wulgurukaba Aboriginal Corporation advocates for the recognition and protection of cultural sites across their traditional lands and waters.

The Thul Garrie Waja (Bindal) people The Bindal people, whose traditional name is Thul Garrie Waja, are the Traditional Owners of the inland areas around what is now Townsville and the surrounding region of north Queensland. Their country extends from the foothills of the coastal ranges through the tropical woodlands and grasslands behind the coast, complementing the coastal and island country of their neighbours, the Wulgurukaba. Bindal country encompasses tropical savannah woodland, river systems, and the foothills of the Paluma Range. The Ross River and its tributaries provided fresh water, fish, and sustained the wetland environments that were important for food gathering and ceremony. The tropical woodlands offered diverse plant foods, game, and materials for tools, shelter, and cultural objects. Bindal people maintained connections with neighbouring groups through trade, ceremony, and kinship networks that extended across the dry tropics. Today, the Bindal people share custodianship of the greater Townsville region with the Wulgurukaba. The Townsville City Council formally acknowledges both peoples as Traditional Custodians. Bindal cultural heritage is maintained through community organisations, participation in Welcome to Country ceremonies, and advocacy for the protection of significant cultural sites across the region.