The Dhana Garanya Bana cultural garden, formerly known as the Hay Point Lookout, has officially opened. Designed in collaboration with Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation, the area is a symbol of the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Yuwi coming together.
In genuine partnership, the BMA and Yuwi teams took the garden from concept to the real-life cultural space, and it’s been a project 18 months in the making. The official opening of the Dhana Garanya Bana cultural garden formed part of National Reconciliation Week.
With the yarning circle and flowing pathways, BMA expects this space will be a place where employees, Traditional Owners, community and tourists come to visit.
The area displays the Yuwi seasonal calendar and Yuwi shields to help share Yuwi’s deep history with the land and waterways around Hay Point and the Mackay area.
Local Indigenous businesses have contributed to the garden – from the creation of family shields, the seasonal calendar, and the yarning circle to the native plants.
Dhana Garanya Bana translates to ‘Stop Sit Altogether Outside’.
BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said the initiative is close to the hearts of the BMA team and deeply rooted in the spirit of reconciliation.
“Our team at Hay Point take great pride in showcasing the important work we do in partnership with Traditional Owners and the community.
“BMA deeply values our relationship with Yuwi and I know we’re working towards achieving mutually beneficial outcomes that strengthen our ties and add value to the journey we have already embarked on.
“The Dhana Garanya Bana cultural garden is great symbol of the BMA and Yuwi relationship in action; united in our purpose to present the cultural values of this region to the local community and visitors.
“The garden is also a place of storytelling and unity. We can all contribute to this future in strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, deeply listening to their voices and walking, or in the case of this garden, sitting together with First Nations people with respect and humility.
“The Hay Point team and Yuwi have brought to life a shared aspiration through this project.
“We still have so much to learn from Traditional Owners about the ties that bind us to this area and we are privileged to learn from and to take meaningful steps in partnership with Yuwi.”
