Milton Murray was excited about going home but overwhelmed and sad to finally see where his grandparents were buried.
I am truly grateful and express much appreciation to Link Up (Qld) for all their support in taking me home to my birthplace, Stradbroke Island. North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world, traditionally known as Minjerribah. The Quandamooka people are the traditional owners of the island and waters.
Taking me back home was very sad and overwhelming for me. The first day commenced by meeting Link-Up (Qld) staff at the Cleveland ferry terminal to travel to the island. This was exciting knowing I was going home to connect with past elders and to visit their burial sites.
Once we arrived, we settled into our accommodation, proceeded to have a nice lunch and discussed our next day itinerary and had many yarns. On day two, we all met with our cultural elder from the island, Bernice Fisher at the Dunwich Cemetery. I was shown where my grandparents were laid to rest. This was very emotional, but I felt their presence surrounding me. Link Up (Qld) took photos and presented me with a beautiful native flower arrangement.
After having a seafood lunch, we proceeded to Myora Cemetery where I connected to my great grandmother’s burial site. We spent a considerable amount of time there as there was so much history to be told. Link Up (Qld) gave me a beautiful wreath again to lay on my family resting place and took many photos for me. This was very emotional for me, but I felt so connected there reflecting and having time with my past ancestors.
We journeyed onto Myora sitting down place (Moongalba) being the old mission. Our cultural guide spoke about the history of the place which was very interesting and presented me with a book written by her and assisted by Rose Borey and Estelle Bertossi. I was truly grateful to receive this book with so much history and information about my homeland.
Day three was our departure and we spent the morning walking at Point Lookout headland, driving to different areas around Dunwich and having a nice lunch by the water. I spoke about my mum, Gloria Ryan and my grandmother who lived at Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich and we visited my Nana’s land as I told stories I remember. I also had time to visit my Uncle Ian Delaney at One Mile. Uncle was so happy to see me, and he yarned to me about so much past history and mob.
I sincerely thank Link Up (Qld) and their staff and Bernice Fisher for giving me this opportunity to connect back to my people. You all showed so much care and compassion to me; this has given me healing to move forward and knowing where I belong.
Thank you.
Published 14 July 2024.
