Fitzgibbon resident Lisa Anne Caruna ‘Gilinggilingba’, a proud Larrakia woman with strong community connections to Turrbal country, is preparing to unveil the Fitzgibbon Bush Trail, a cultural project collaboration with Brisbane City Council.
A First Nations artist and an advocate for cultural preservation and community engagement, Lisa said the project’s first stage saw the installation of 10 educational signs along the trail, which identify native flora and their traditional uses.
“The Fitzgibbon Bush Trail offers an immersive experience where community members and schools can learn about First Nations culture and the importance of caring for country,” Lisa said.
“Through educational signs, visitors can engage with our cultural heritage in a meaningful way and gather in the yarning circle to discuss their discoveries.
“This project enhances the bush space by offering an interactive learning environment that complements traditional classroom education.
“Through the support of our community, we’ve created a trail where families, individuals and groups can explore, learn and engage with the natural world and our cultural heritage.”
Community Support and Future Plans
Lisa expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had supported her vision, including well-known local Elders Uncle Syl Johns and Uncle Alex Davidson.
“Their wisdom and connection to our cultural roots have been instrumental,” she said. “Councillor Sandy Landers and her team at Brisbane City Council, along with the Fitzgibbon Green Team, believed in this vision and have been pivotal in bringing it to life.
Lisa’s inspiration for the project sprang from her interactions with local children during cultural sharing time.
“Our conversations about caring for country and their eagerness to learn about our cultural ways deeply moved me,” she said.
“These experiences, combined with the support of our community and Uncle Alex’s blessing, fuelled my passion to enhance this beautiful space. I wanted to create an environment where education, cultural preservation and community engagement intersect seamlessly.”
The next stage of the project will introduce more educational elements and interactive features to further enhance the trail’s offerings.
“I hope this project fosters a sense of community and family engagement, creating a space for shared experiences that build a strong, more connected community,” Lisa said.
The official opening of Stage 1 of the Fitzgibbon Bush Trail is set to take place in the coming weeks. Visit Cr Sandy Landers on Facebook for updates.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Women’s Football Team Prowling Towards Success
- Silver Swans Prove You’re Never Too Old to Plie
- The Scoop on Poop
- “Stayin’ Alive” in the Days Before Triple Zero
- Farewell Dagwood
- A Spectacular Showcase of Culture at Brisbane Festival
- End of an Era for Beloved Clothing Store
- Upgrades to Rainbow Street Bikeway
Photos courtesy of Bruce Redman
