Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation have reaffirmed their shared commitment to working together in a respectful, transparent and culturally grounded partnership, following a leadership meeting between both organisations held at council’s chambers on Wednesday, 4 February.
The meeting brought together Council leadership, Mayor Bruce Simpson, Councillors and CEO and members of the WWNTAC board, chaired by Sam Murray, to reflect on the history of Cherbourg, acknowledge the complexity of responsibilities held by both organisations, and set a clear pathway forward focused on long-term outcomes for community.
Cherbourg Mayor Bruce Simpson said the discussion was an important step in strengthening relationships built on trust, honesty and shared purpose.
“This meeting wasn’t about projects or paperwork — it was about people, respect and doing things the right way,” Mayor Simpson said.
“Cherbourg is home to many tribes, many stories and many responsibilities. Council has a duty to govern fairly and transparently for the whole community, and that work is strongest when it walks alongside our Traditional Owners.”
Mayor Simpson said Council’s approach is grounded in listening first, building understanding, and ensuring culture is not treated as an afterthought but as a central part of planning and decision-making.
“Good governance means protecting the organisation so it can protect the community,” he said.
“It means planning properly, being honest about challenges, and making sure culture and Country inform the way we build housing, infrastructure and opportunities for our people.”
WWNTAC Chair Sam Murray said the meeting reflected a shared desire to move forward together with clarity and vision, while honouring the deep cultural responsibilities carried by Wakka Wakka people.
“This isn’t about what benefits us today,” Mr Murray said.
“It’s about what we leave behind for our grandchildren — something they can pick up and carry forward with pride.”
Mr Murray emphasised that meaningful progress requires courage, reflection and a willingness to do things differently.
“You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result,” he said.
“Without vision, you’re stuck. This meeting was about lifting our eyes, being honest with each other, and committing to a better way of working together.”
Both parties acknowledged Cherbourg’s unique history — a place shaped by dispossession, relocation and resilience — and the reality that today’s community is built on many Nations living together on Wakka Wakka Country.
As part of the agreed pathway forward, Council and WWNTAC will continue to strengthen their relationship through open communication, work toward a formal Memorandum of Understanding, and progress discussions that support future agreements, including the Indigenous Land Use Agreement, which is critical to enabling housing and infrastructure development.
Mayor Simpson said Council remains committed to ongoing engagement, not one-off meetings.
“This is about walking together, not rushing,” he said.
“When we take the time to get the foundations right — relationships, trust and shared understanding — the outcomes for community are stronger and longer-lasting.”
WWNTAC Chair Sam Murray echoed that sentiment, reinforcing the importance of unity and accountability.
“We all have roles to play,” he said.
“If we stay focused on culture, Country and our shared responsibility to community, then we can create something meaningful that lasts well beyond our time.”
Both Council and WWNTAC agreed to continue working collaboratively, recognising that strong relationships between local government and Traditional Owners are essential to building a safer, stronger and more hopeful future for Cherbourg.
