Europeans came to OIkola Country in the 1800’s – for gold and cattle. This period saw almost all of Olkola Country converted to cattle stations, with the Queensland Government issuing pastoral leases over Olkola Country to people of non-aboriginal descent, as the station owners.

Many Olkola People were able to remain on country during this period, working for local station owners and continuing to care for country and culture. However, other Olkola People were forcibly removed by the Government and placed in communities, far and wide, throughout Queensland; a shared fate of many Aboriginal Groups in Australia.