MAGUYDAN QUANDAMOOKA – “The Quandamooka Story”
In 2025 the Redlands Coast Museum completed and submitted to Reconciliation Australian, its Reflect Reconciliation Plan (RAP). As part of this RAP, the Museum Commissions its own Quandamooka Artwork from a local Quandamooka Artist. The artist, Bindi Lee, explains her artwork created exclusively for the Redlands Coast Museum.
The artwork is a contemporary interpretation of the Maguydan Quandamooka story – a story of deep connection, culture, and strength. As a proud Quandamooka Noonuccal descendent, I created this to reflect the spirit and resilience of my people, reflecting the layers of time, spirit, and place that continues to shape who we are.
At the centre of the story is Kabool, the ancestral carpet snake, who winds its way across the waters and lands of Quandamooka Country – through Minjerribah, Mulgumpin and the Redlands Coast. As Kabool travels, it leaves a white line – a living imprint across Country, symbolising the powerful and permanent connection between land, people, and the enduring presence of our ancestors and their journeys.
This journey began when our people lived in deep balance with the land and sea, sustained by ceremony, knowledge, and culture. These truths are carried in the shapes and songlines of this artwork, speaking to thousands of years of strength.
The cluster of ceremonial caves along the lower section represents the Redlands. At the base of the caves, a burning fire – a visual reminder that culture if still alive, that our stories are still being told. These shapes hold the fire of our people – strong and steady – reminding us that our culture continues to burn brightly. Our identity is not a memory; it’s a living force.
Woven into the waters is the memory of changing time, as the waters change from smooth to rough. But this part of the painting is also about survival. It speaks of the strength and endurance of our people, to adapt to all changing tides of time.
The three connected circles represent Minjerribah, Mulgumpin, and South Stradbroke Island – bound by journey lines that can’t be broken.
Finally, this piece reflects present time – where our people are rising strong. Our voices, our identities, and our stories are leading the way forward. This is time of truth, of healing, and of cultural pride. It is also a time to honour the legacy we carry and pass on to the next generation. The strength is symbolised where the waters meet the sands, the coastline and breaking past the waves. This design speaks to leadership, resilience, and cultural continuity. It is grounded in kinship, Country, and connection to water. From its first brushstrokes to its final form, this painting is a journey – and I’m proud to share it with you.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS
Redlands Coast Museum acknowledges the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Custodians of the land and water where we work. We acknowledge their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in our Community.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this document may contain names and/or images of deceased persons.