This year marks the third time the infamous eight day trek has been re-enacted and it welcomed people from all different walks of life; including a support crew of cooks, a nurse, counsellor, community workers and volunteers.
The trek commenced in Taroom, 290km west of Maryborough and finished in Woorabinda, which is more than 270km to the north. The entire journey runs over the course of eight days.
“The Trek demonstrates how far we have come in the last 90-years and that’s what makes this walk so significant.”
Hon Mark Furner, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships says he’s proud to join community leaders in contemplating the reconciliation legacy to be shared with future generations.
“The Trek from Taroom to Woorabinda is an opportunity for us as Queenslanders to reflect on the wrongs of the past and consider the next steps on our state’s reconciliation journey,” Mr Furner said.
“The Trek demonstrates how far we have come in the last 90-years and that’s what makes this walk so significant.”
In 1927, up to 50 young, bare-footed Aboriginal Queenslanders aged between 13 and 30 walked the track from the Old Taroom Aboriginal Settlement.
The trek commenced in Taroom, 290km west of Maryborough and finished in Woorabinda, which is more than 270km to the north. Photo: Christine Howes Source: NITV News
The start of the commemorative 90th anniversary trek included healing and wreath-laying ceremonies at the site of the former Taroom settlement, now known as Bundulla Station.
Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Cheyne Wilkie said it’s rewarding to see the Woorabinda community getting involved.
Aunty Norma Tiers, Mayor Cheyne Wilkie, Minister Mark Furner & Aunty Dot Leedie. Photo: Christine Howes Source: NITV News
“Our community looks forward to the Aboriginal communities of Cherbourg, Yarrabah, Palm Island and Hope Vale joining us in our celebration,” Wilkie said.
“The Trek walkers this year have been well-supported by everyone, from our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community elders, to our youngest kids back home for the holidays and our local school.
Trek walkers are expected to travel from Woorabinda, Yarrabah, Palm Island, Cherbourg and other central Queensland communities. They will complete more than 20km a day.
Over the next seven days, the descendants and supporters of hundreds of Aboriginal families will walk 150-kilometres from Taroom, in honour of the Indigenous Queenslanders forcibly relocated from their homes to Woorabinda.
A welcome back ceremony will be held in the community on Friday 7 July.
