Acknowledgement of Country

I am writing here from Brisbane, Australia, and I would like to acknowledge the Qandamooka people of Winnam (Wynnum). I would like to thank them for the care and custodianship they have invested in this area for thousands, and thousands of years. I would like to acknowledge their elders, past, present, and emerging. It is through the wisdom and sacrifice of all of our elders in this country, that has afforded me the human rights, and privileges I have today.

I would like to acknowledge my Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) ancestors who have shared with me their bloodline and culture, through my Dad, Barry Jard, my Nana Lorna Jard (nee Mitchell), and her mother before her Lucy Mitchell. I also acknowledge my Pop, William Jard, who did not grow up knowing his bloodlines.  

We don’t have the name of Pop (Willie) Jard’s group, but he came from far North Queensland, around the area of Mission Beach.  He is thought to be a member of the Birra Nation.

I thank our elders for the care of the land, skies, oceans, and waterways.

My purpose here to write about family. As with every family our stories will be of the past, and of the present. As with every family, our traditions, grow, and change, with some remaining the same. My hope is that future generations can draw on this as a reference, but also to reinforce their sense of identity, and connection to us. We are a small family, but scattered across Australia. My dream to one day have all of my family together in a big gathering, especially so my children can meet their cousins. Until then, see you in this space.

The photo is of my Pop and Nanna, with my Aunty Florence (Flo), and her baby boy Alan Murphy at Pop and Nanna’s house at 93 South Street, Depot Hill, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.

Please note that in sharing these stories, there will be images of those no longer with us.