On Friday, 15 May, the Fraser Coast community gathered on the edge of stunning Sea Country in Hervey Bay to mark a significant milestone, the official opening of the Milbi Centre Research and Rehabilitation facility. After five years in the making, the Centre stands as a powerful symbol of collaboration, cultural respect, and shared commitment to protecting threatened and endangered marine life.
The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Chairperson of the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC), Shawn Wondunna-Foley, whose words grounded the occasion in culture, connection, and responsibility.
Honouring Country and Connection
“Today we stand not just on land, but within a living story, one that connects our people, our ancestors, and Sea Country together,” Chairperson Wondunna-Foley shared, inviting those present to pause and reflect on the deep significance of place.
Acknowledging Elders past, present, and emerging, as well as community members and dignitaries, the Welcome set a respectful and meaningful tone. The message was clear: this was more than an opening; it was a continuation of stewardship that has existed for tens of thousands of years.
Sea Country, as described in the address, is not simply ocean or coastline. It is a living entity, rich with meaning, memory, and responsibility.
“Sea Country is not something we own. It is something we belong to, and it calls on us to protect it for generations yet to come,” Shawn Wondunna-Foley said.
The Milbi: A Cultural and Ecological Symbol
Central to the day’s significance is the Milbi, or sea turtle. For the Butchulla people, Milbi are revered figures, and symbols of wisdom, resilience, and cultural continuity.
They are deeply woven into stories, art, and traditions, representing a vital thread connecting people to Country. Their presence reminds both community and visitors alike of the importance of balance and care.
“The Milbi teaches us resilience and patience, and it reminds us that everything in Sea Country is connected, and that our actions matter,” Shawn Wondunna-Foley reflected.
The Milbi Centre: Where Culture Meets Science
The newly opened Milbi Centre is more than a research and rehabilitation facility. It is a space where Indigenous knowledge and scientific practice come together to support marine conservation.
The Centre will play a vital role in treating sick and injured sea turtles found along the Fraser Coast, with the aim of returning them to their natural environment healthy and strong.
BNTAC General Manager Aunty Veronica Bird emphasised the importance of the journey that led to this moment:
“This Centre represents years of dedication, partnership, and belief in what we can achieve together when we listen and respect one another,” she said.
The opening marks the culmination of a shared vision, one that reflects both environmental responsibility and cultural integrity.
Building Relationships the Right Way
Throughout the Welcome, a strong emphasis was placed on building genuine, respectful relationships. Not only between people, but between people and Country.
“It’s about walking together the right way. Listening, learning, and respecting the knowledge that has always been here,” Shawn stated.
These values are guided by the three lores of the Butchulla people:
- What is good for the land and sea must come first
- If you have plenty, you must share
- Do not take or touch what does not belong to you
These principles serve as both cultural law and a practical framework for sustainable living, reminding all present that caring for Country is a shared responsibility.
A Vision for the Future
The Milbi Centre stands as a beacon of hope, not just for marine wildlife, but for how communities can come together to create meaningful change.
Aunty Veronica Bird echoed Shawn’s perspective:
“The Milbi Centre is a place of healing, not only for turtles, but for how we approach caring for our environment and each other,” she said.
As the celebration concluded, guests were left with a powerful message: the future of Sea Country depends on collective action, respect, and learning.
Leaving Only Footprints
The Welcome closed with a simple yet profound reminder:
“Where you walk, leave only footprints.”
It is a message that resonates far beyond the day, encouraging all who visit the Milbi Centre, or any part of Country, to act with care, humility, and responsibility.
The opening of the Milbi Centre is an invitation. An invitation to learn, to connect, and to protect what matters most.