A sign bearing the handprints of students, staff and the Mununjali community stands at the entry to Beaudesert State School as a reminder of a strong local partnership.
The red, black and yellow mural was unveiled in a ceremony on 9 November to celebrate the work being done collaboratively between the school and the Mununjali community.
The sign is emblazoned with words in both English and Mununjali languages.
“We acknowledge the Mununjali people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging leaders that attend our school,” it reads.
“Jingeri Mununjali Jargun Banya Nyargu – welcome to Mununjali country, be well stay well.
“This mural is a commitment to acknowledge the truths of the past and working together in the present for a brighter future.”
Mununjali Ngari and Jabu Jabuny (JJ) Club shared traditional dances, Mununjali elders Aunty Janis Page and Aunty Sue Blanco gave the welcome to country and school captains Sienna Eizenberg and Ryan Iselin led the unveiling ceremony.
Principal Angela Chant also unveiled the Beaudesert State School Racism Strategy, co-written with the school’s Community Education Counsellor Stacie Fogarty.
Ms Chant said the strategy was the first of its kind in a Queensland school.
“Our school acknowledges and respects that our local Indigenous and culturally diverse communities make many valuable contributions in Beaudesert, the Scenic Rim and the wider community and we continue to reinforce our commitment in reducing, preventing and responding to racism in our school,” she said.
“Beaudesert State School is an inclusive school that stands together against racism.”
Mununjali PaCE Team Leader Jermayne Williams said the collaboration strengthened the future of Beaudesert as a community.
“It’s about looking forward as generations come through this school and creating a place where our community can claim that identity for both indigenous and non-indigenous people to be proud of where they’re from by sharing stories and knowledge,” he said.