Walking together on Darumbal Country
As planning progresses for all our 17 venues, engaging with Traditional Custodians is an important part of how the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) approaches design and delivery.
GIICA undertakes a Walk on Country for every one of our new and upgraded venues as one of the first steps in our ongoing engagement process. A Walk on Country gives our venue design teams the opportunity to see the landscape through the eyes of Traditional Custodians while also building connections between Traditional Custodians and project leaders.
In Rockhampton, our Venues Delivery team recently took part in a Walk on Country with the Darumbal People — an opportunity to listen, learn and better understand the cultural significance of the landscape.
Held on Mount Archer (Nurim), the experience brought together Elders, Knowledge Holders and project representatives to share stories, culture and deep connections to land and water.
These insights are helping inform planning for the Rockhampton Flatwater Facility on the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), which is proposed to host rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint and Para canoe events during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Spending time on Country provides a deeper understanding of place — recognising it not just as a project site, but as a living, connected system of land, water, culture and community.
Watch the video above to hear more about the Walk on Country and how it is shaping the project.
Learn more about GIICA’s commitments to First Nations Australians.
