Country, Culture & Respect
A place of mystery. A place of connection. A place of listening, learning and respect.
Our Acknowledgement
Mystery Craters acknowledges the First Nations Taribelang, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Bailai Peoples as Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country across the Bundaberg region.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the enduring cultural connections between First Nations peoples and Country.
We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who visit Mystery Craters.
Caring for Country
Long before Mystery Craters became a visitor destination, this landscape was, and continues to be, Country.
We recognise that Country encompasses land, waterways, plants, animals, people, culture and connections carried across generations.
As the owners and caretakers of Mystery Craters today, we accept our responsibility to care for the landscape with respect, consideration and a long-term commitment to its protection.
A Special Gathering — Coming Home, 2023
In October 2023, Mystery Craters was honoured to welcome Elders and members of the local First Nations community following the region’s Coming Home initiative during the Milbi Festival.
Coming Home celebrated the return of Elders and families to Country, reflecting the annual return of loggerhead turtles — Milbi — to the Bundaberg coast and themes of connection, belonging and return.
At Mystery Craters, stories were shared, memories were honoured and time was spent together.
We remain grateful for the opportunity to have welcomed this gathering and for the trust shown in sharing that time at Mystery Craters.
Our Commitment
Respect requires more than an acknowledgement.
At Mystery Craters, we are committed to:
- recognising the First Nations Taribelang, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Bailai Peoples as Traditional Owners and Custodians
- respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.
- continuing to learn through the Australian Tourism Industry Council’s Connecting to Culture program
- building respectful relationships with Traditional Custodians and First Nations organisations
- ensuring that First Nations stories, knowledge, imagery and cultural material are not interpreted or presented by Mystery Craters without appropriate consultation and permission
- caring responsibly for the land, wildlife and natural environment entrusted to us today.
Looking Ahead
Respect is an ongoing practice.
We recognise there is always more to learn. We will continue listening, learning and building respectful relationships while ensuring that Mystery Craters approaches Country, culture and First Nations knowledge with care.
Our role is not to tell stories that are not ours to tell. Our role is to listen, respect and care for the place we are privileged to look after.
Our Commitment in Action
Respect for Country sits alongside our broader responsibility to protect the unique natural environment of Mystery Craters.
From restoring habitat and protecting wildlife to reducing environmental impact and improving the sustainability of our operations, we are working to care for this remarkable place for generations to come.
