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Australia’s indigenous people say they’re still suffering legacy of British colonialism - BBC News

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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the original custodians of the Ipswich region in Queensland. Specifically, the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul peoples have inhabited this area for thousands of years, maintaining deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological connections to the land. Their traditions include storytelling, ceremonies, and a strong respect for nature, which influenced their diets of seasonal bush foods, native fruits, seeds, and animals. (Ipswich City Council, n.d.).

Colonisation brought severe disruption to these communities. In 1901, the Purga Mission was established under the Aboriginal Protection Act. Families were removed from their homelands, cultural practices were restricted, and Western systems of belief, food, and education were imposed. Over time, this led to significant shifts in traditional lifestyles, spirituality, and wellbeing (Sheehan & Walker, 2001).

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Nowadays they represent 38% of the population across the whole of South East Queensland

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Torres Strait Islanders express their spirituality through the Tagai a set of star-based stories that guide their understanding of life and the universe. These stories, such as the Tagai standing in a canoe with his crew becoming constellations, reflect a deep maritime identity and a belief system where land, sea, and stars are interconnected. Christianity, introduced in 1871 with the Coming of the Light, is also now a central part of many Islanders' lives and is commemorated annually (QCAA, n.d.).

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Today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Ipswich continue to experience general disadvantage. According to the 2021 Census, Indigenous Australians make up 5.5% of the Ipswich population well above the national average. Yet, they face higher rates of chronic illness (39.3% report long-term health conditions), lower educational attainment, and high unemployment (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021). They are also overrepresented in the justice system and underrepresented in higher education and skilled employment. These outcomes are not accidental but are connected to ongoing social exclusion, racism, and loss of cultural connection.

Amid these challenges, initiatives such as the Purga Project offer culturally meaningful ways forward. Led by community Elders and supported by universities, this project restores cultural knowledge, land stewardship, and identity promoting healing through reconnection.

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This essay will:

·       Firstly, explore the historical and cultural background of Indigenous communities in Ipswich, including traditional beliefs, food practices, and the impact of colonisation.

·       Secondly, describe the current social, economic, and health inequalities affecting this group using reliable data.

·       Thirdly, analyse how the loss of connection to land interacts with other social, behavioural, and health-related factors, using the upstream, midstream, and downstream model to explain its impact on health outcomes.

Finally, assess the effectiveness of current initiatives such as the Purga Project and community-led health services and propose future directions for culturally safe and sustainable policy development.

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Loss of land also reduced opportunities for economic independence. Without access to traditional land, communities could not maintain subsistence practices or generate sustainable income. Today, Indigenous people in Ipswich experience lower household incomes, reduced access to quality education, and higher unemployment rates. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), Indigenous Australians are almost twice as likely to be unemployed compared to non-Indigenous Australians, with implications for housing, nutrition, and access to healthcare.

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Another key upstream variable is the lack of political representation and formal recognition. While recent efforts such as the Uluru Statement from the Heart have called for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, the 2023 referendum rejection highlights ongoing exclusion from national decision-making. When Indigenous knowledge systems and values about land stewardship are not recognised in policy, it limits community-led responses to health and social challenges. (Reconciliation Australia, 2023).

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Institutional racism in legal, healthcare, and educational systems continues to shape poor health outcomes. It also contributes to cultural disconnection by devaluing Indigenous knowledge and leadership. The result is a compounding of disadvantage that reduces both the capacity and the opportunity for cultural revitalisation. (Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, 2018)

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it is a social determinant that plays a vital role in shaping the identity and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For these communities, land is not just a place to live, it holds deep spiritual, cultural, and emotional meaning. It influences how people relate to one another. When this connection is broken as it was during colonisation and continues today through loss of land and displacement, it can seriously harm both individual and community health. To fully understand these effects, it is important to examine how this social determinant interacts with broader structural (upstream), behavioural and emotional (midstream), and health outcome (downstream) factors within the Indigenous population of Ipswich.

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Midstream factors such as chronic stress, disempowerment, and intergenerational trauma arise from the upstream inequalities described above. Disconnection from land often passed down through generations contributes to feelings of loss, hopelessness, and alienation. These psychosocial experiences are strongly associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicide. Indigenous Australians die by suicide at twice the rate of non-Indigenous Australians, and the risk is particularly high among young people. (Korff, n.d.).

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Disruption of traditional knowledge systems has also influenced health-related behaviours. The replacement of nutrient-dense bush foods with processed Western diets has contributed to rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in Indigenous populations. Without access to land for hunting, fishing, and gathering or culturally safe spaces to pass on dietary knowledge, communities are less able to maintain healthy lifestyles. (Brand, Bond, & Shannon, 2016).

Additionally, tobacco and alcohol use are more prevalent among Indigenous populations, often as a response to chronic stress, social exclusion, and trauma. These behaviours are frequently misunderstood in public health frameworks that ignore cultural context and the deeper roots of disempowerment.

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Reduced Access to Culturally Safe Services

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Reduced Access to Culturally Safe Services

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Cultural connection influences the way health services are perceived and accessed. Many Indigenous people avoid mainstream healthcare due to a lack of cultural safety, previous experiences of discrimination, or language and communication barriers. When services fail to recognise the importance of land, culture, and community in the healing process, they remain inaccessible or ineffective. The absence of Indigenous voices in designing these services limits their relevance and trustworthiness. (Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, 2018)

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At the downstream level, the cumulative effects of these upstream and midstream factors are seen in the high burden of disease. In Ipswich, 39.3% of Indigenous residents report long-term health conditions. Rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness remain significantly higher than the non-Indigenous population, contributing to an overall lower life expectancy. (Brand et al., 2016)

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Disconnection from land and culture contributes to poor mental health, identity confusion, and social withdrawal. This is compounded by a lack of culturally informed mental health services. As mentioned earlier, suicide rates remain disproportionately high. Without addressing the root cause — cultural disconnection — downstream mental health outcomes are unlikely to improve. (Brand et al., 2016)

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Image 2: Main diseases that impact most on the indigenous community. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease (44%), Chronic respiratory conditions (11%), Cancers (10%), Mental conditions (9%), Injuries (6%).

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In general, 80% of this community is affected by at least one of the previously mentioned diseases, with cardiovascular diseases being the most prevalent, as supported by image 2.

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Health Inequity and Intergenerational Impact

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Health Inequity and Intergenerational Impact

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Health disparities are passed down from one generation to the next. Children growing up without cultural grounding or connection to land may also inherit the psychological and physical health impacts of previous trauma. This creates a cycle of disadvantage, where early-life experiences shape future morbidity and mortality outcomes. It also limits educational achievement, community participation, and leadership development by reinforcing the same upstream barriers that caused the problem. (Queensland Mental Health Commission, 2022)

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Cultural Connection as a Protective Factor

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Cultural Connection as a Protective Factor

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While the absence of cultural connection contributes to negative outcomes, its presence acts as a powerful protective factor. Initiatives like the Purga Project, which restore access to land and cultural knowledge, demonstrate how reconnection can improve psychosocial wellbeing, increase community participation, and support healthier lifestyles. Research shows that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have strong cultural identity and access to Country, they are more resilient, more engaged in education, and experience better mental and physical health. (Queensland Mental Health Commission, 2022)

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Several programs and policies have been developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Ipswich in strengthening their cultural connection to land. These efforts focus on improving health and wellbeing by restoring cultural identity, supporting community leadership, and creating culturally safe environments.

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One of the most important community-led initiatives is the Purga Project. This project was started by the Purga Elders and Descendants Aboriginal Corporation, with support from the University of Queensland. It aims to turn the Purga area into a space for cultural learning, ceremonies, environmental restoration, and healing. Through planting native trees, creating cultural trails, and offering education based on Indigenous knowledge systems, the project helps reconnect people with their land, history, and identity.

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Kambu Health is a community-controlled health service in Ipswich that offers culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides general medical services, family support, and early childhood programs. Kambu Health also recognises the importance of culture and community in healthcare. By offering services in a culturally safe environment, it builds trust and helps reduce the barriers that many Indigenous people face when accessing mainstream health systems. (Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health, n.d.)

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The Ipswich Indigenous Accord is a policy developed by the Ipswich City Council in collaboration with local Indigenous leaders. It sets goals for recognising and respecting Aboriginal culture, increasing Indigenous participation in decision-making, and promoting reconciliation. The Accord encourages cultural activities, supports Traditional Owners, and ensures Indigenous perspectives are considered in planning and development processes. (Ipswich City Council, 2020)

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At the national level, the Close the Gap campaign works to reduce health inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It promotes long-term strategies that are developed with Indigenous communities and focus on addressing the social, emotional, and cultural needs of each group. Although this initiative operates across Australia, its goals support local efforts in Ipswich by aiming to improve life expectancy, education, and health access for Indigenous peoples. (National Indigenous Australians Agency, n.d.)

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There have been key moments of progress. One example is the original Ipswich Indigenous Accord, created in 1995 with the help of respected community members. It was one of the first formal agreements in Queensland between a local council and Indigenous communities. This work was nationally recognised with a Reconciliation Award in 1997, showing the importance of local leadership and cooperation in improving cultural and health outcomes.

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 What Has Worked and What Still Needs Improvement

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 What Has Worked and What Still Needs Improvement

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Programs like the Purga Project and Kambu Health have been successful because they are led by Indigenous communities and focus on cultural strengths. However, challenges remain. Some programs still struggle with consistent funding and long-term support. Others need to do more to involve Indigenous voices in planning and decision-making. To make lasting improvements, governments and services must continue to respect and include Indigenous perspectives, especially around land, culture, and health.

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Based on the research, future efforts to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Ipswich should focus more on culturally respectful and community-led approaches. The connection to land and culture is a key factor in improving wellbeing, and this must be better supported through health policies and programs.

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At the upstream level, government policy should give stronger support to Indigenous land ownership and the protection of cultural sites like Purga. Long-term funding is needed for projects that restore the land, keep languages alive, and share traditional knowledge. It is also important to include Indigenous leaders in decision-making for education, health, and land use planning.

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At the midstream level, more culturally safe health and education services should be developed. Services like Kambu Health could be expanded to include more mental health care based on Indigenous cultural practices. Health education should also include traditional stories, knowledge from Elders, and ways of teaching that fit Indigenous cultures.

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For downstream impacts, efforts should focus on preventing chronic illnesses by improving access to care that respects culture. Better data collection can help show how cultural connection affects health outcomes and help guide future programs.

Finally, programs must be supported with long-term funding and real partnerships. Many past programs have been too short to build trust or create lasting change. Supporting Indigenous communities to lead their own solutions is essential for real and lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.

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The health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Ipswich remains significantly affected by the long-term impacts of colonisation, land dispossession, and cultural disruption. These historical events have led to persistent disadvantages across social, economic, and health outcomes. Despite efforts to improve the situation, many individuals in this population still experience higher rates of chronic disease, poorer mental health, lower educational attainment, and greater economic hardship compared to the non-Indigenous population.

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From the early loss of land and autonomy to ongoing experiences of discrimination and exclusion, the pathway to health equity for this group has been difficult. However, meaningful progress has occurred through community-led initiatives such as the Purga Project and services like Kambu Health, which centre Indigenous knowledge, values, and leadership. Policies like the Ipswich Indigenous Accord have helped create more inclusive spaces and support reconciliation at a local level.

Nevertheless, much more remains to be done. Governments must prioritise long-term investment in programs that reconnect Indigenous people with their culture and land, while also addressing the structural causes of disadvantage. Future policies should focus on supporting Indigenous self-determination, expanding culturally safe health services, and ensuring Indigenous voices lead decision-making processes.

By shifting policy toward cultural safety, land rights, and community empowerment, the path to social, economic, and health equality becomes more achievable. Sustainable progress depends on listening to Indigenous communities and respecting the deep connection between culture, land, and wellbeing.

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1.        Ipswich City Council. (n.d.). Indigenous. https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/live/our-community/indigenous

2.        Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority. (n.d.). Spirituality and religion. https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/about/k-12-policies/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-perspectives/resources/spirituality-religion.

3.        Sheehan, N., & Walker, P. (2001). The Purga Project: Indigenous knowledge research. The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 29(2), [8].

4.        Reconciliation Australia. (2023). Support a Voice to Parliament. https://www.reconciliation.org.au/support-a-voice-to-parliament/

5.        Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland. (2018). Aboriginal people in Queensland: A brief human rights history. https://www.qhrc.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/10606/Aboriginal-timeline-FINAL-updated-25-July-2018.pdf

6.        Korff, J. (n.d.). The land is a key part of Aboriginal culture. Working with Indigenous Australians. http://www.workingwithindigenousaustralians.info/content/Culture_3_The_Land.html

7.        Brand, E., Bond, C., & Shannon, C. (2016, October 4). Urban Indigenous health: Opportunities and challenges in South East Queensland. UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. https://poche.centre.uq.edu.au/

8.        Queensland Mental Health Commission. (2022, May 12). Ipswich community forum on QLD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing. https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/media-events/news/ipswich-community-forum-on-qld-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-social-and-emotional-wellbeing.

9.        Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health. (n.d.). Kambu Health. https://www.kambuhealth.com.au/

10.  Ipswich City Council. (2020). Ipswich City Council Indigenous Accord 2020–2025. https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/193108/Indigenous-Accord-2020-2025.pdf.

11.  National Indigenous Australians Agency. (n.d.). Closing the Gap. Australian Government. https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/