In response to resident enquiries, Sandy wrote to the Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships regarding whether an alternative to the disbanded Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry would be considered. In addition, if the Personal Histories Unit has the capacity to receive and record additional indigenous and non-indigenous stories as part of increasing knowledge. The following in italics has been provided in response, outlining options for knowledge sharing including the Indigenous Knowledge Centres, who work within community to record and document local histories, stories and language.
The Community and Personal Histories (CPH) Unit does not record and receive stories – The Community and Personal Histories Unit provides access to restricted historical records created by the department, mostly as a result of the department’s administration of the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 (and subsequent ‘Protection Acts’). These departmental records mostly relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were from, or lived in, Queensland and who were subject to the ‘Protection Acts’. Further information can be found here: Family and personal history | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples | Queensland Government
State Library of Queensland (SLQ)
SLQ collects and shares documentary heritage relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland (Aboriginal & Islander Cultures and Stories | State Library of Queensland) and has a large number of resources which can be found here: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Collections | State Library of Queensland. SLQ can be contacted on (07) 3840 7666.
Of particular interest may be Indigenous Knowledge Centres, owned and operated by Indigenous Shire Councils and supported by the Library Board of Queensland, who work within community to record and document local histories, stories and language – Indigenous Knowledge Centres | State Library of Queensland
Link-Up (Qld)
Link-Up (Qld) provides services to reunite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples affected by forced removal: About Us – Link-Up (Qld). The Link-Up Magazine includes stories from recent reunions, and previous copies can be found here: Magazine – Link-Up (Qld). Link-Up (Qld) can be contacted via contact@link-upqld.org.au and (07) 3638 0411.
Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism
It may be of interest that the department has recently opened an Indigenous Languages Grants round with receipt of applications closing on Friday, 27 June 2025. Further information regarding guidelines and how to apply can be found here: Indigenous Languages Grants | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples | Queensland Government
As mentioned in our November 2024 Noosa 360 update, we included in our annual survey questions, with the below results demonstrating a lack of consensus.
| Topic | For | Against | Undecided |
| Government working with indigenous peoples on a process to negotiate treaties. | 46.51% | 36.95% | 16.54% |
| Continuation of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry. | 47.55% | 35.40% | 17.05% |
Full summary of findings: www.sandybolton.com/noosa-mp-community-survey-results-2024-2025
Considering these results and the response from the minister, we would appreciate feedback from Noosa state electorate residents via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Further Information
Direct advocacy regarding the above can be sent to the Queensland Minster for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Partnerships via watsipm@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on Path to Treaty, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=path+to+treaty.