Case study: Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
19 December 2025
QRA seeks to continuously improve disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience by identifying strengths, best practices, and areas for improvement. To achieve this, QRA partners with and learns from groups and sectors that have a role in creating disaster-resilient communities.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with 65,000 years of environmental stewardship and disaster management expertise, offer invaluable knowledge for building resilience.
Collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is critical to ensure their knowledge is integrated into decision-making and to provide opportunities to create stronger, more resilient communities and environments.
For example, with QRA support, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation partnered with stakeholders on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to develop bushfire management plans for Mooloomba, Goompi, and Pulan Pulan (Point Lookout, Dunwich and Amity Point). Incorporating traditional burning techniques on Minjerribah continues to make a real difference in the local community and environment.
In 2023, QRA officers met with Elders and members of the Dabu Jajikal Aboriginal Corporation in Bloomfield, North Queensland, to help create a cyclone preparedness community plan. This work included:
- collaborating with the community
- documenting the Dabu Jajikal people’s oral histories, language and knowledge
- providing educational workshops on Country
- producing a co-designed plan.
QRA looks forward to more opportunities to learn from and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and councils on disaster recovery and resilience.
Last updated: 19 December 2025
QRA Reference: QRATF/25/8716