Wiri people facts for kids

The Wiri were an Aboriginal Australian people of an area on the eastern side of the state of Queensland. They spoke a dialect of the Biri language called Wiri (also known as Widi).

Country

The Wiri's tribal lands spread over some 5,200 square kilometres (2,000 sq mi) from the Coast Range east of the coastal area around Mackay and running inland as far as Nebo and the headwaters of the Bowen and Suttor rivers. They took in both the Connor and Denham ranges. Wiri territory was basically rainscrub, with drier country on its western flank.

A Traditional Owner Reference Group consisting of representatives of the Yuwibara, Koinmerburra, Barada Barna, Wiri, Ngaro, and those Gia and Juru people whose lands are within Reef Catchments Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, helps to support natural resource management and look after the cultural heritage sites in the area.

Language

Wiri is a dialect of the Biri language, also spelt Wirri, Widi, Widi, Wierdi, Wirdi, Witi, and also known as Gongolo.

Alternatives names

• Widi
• Wierdi