Mardi Walker and Florence Ballangarry

It was clear to these women and their family that during treatments, where their illness was being addressed in the best medical ways available, their well-being was challenged by the absence of culturally nurturing practices. This Foundation was formed to address this and to provide culturally friendly support to people and their families who are affected by cancer.

This was the beginning, from here the vision expands to improving the wellbeing of Country and creating a healthy lifestyle in community. Over time this has extended to sharing cultural knowing with those interested in learning more about Country and culture. In time Mujaay Ganma intends to expand cultural services to support people living with cancer in the wider community.

A little about these two proud Gumbaynggirr women whose guidance is valued by the foundation, which honours them in its name.

Mujaay … Mardi was a very strong Gumbaynggirr woman, proud of her culture and language. Mardi was a Gumbaynggirr language teacher who delighted in sharing her knowledge of culture with younger community members. She loved her sports and loved supporting her young nieces and nephews, cheering them on from the sidelines.

While undergoing treatment for cancer, Mardi was insistent that an organisation such as this Foundation was needed to help others who came after her. Those who knew her were touched by her big heart and her sense of fun.

Ganma … Florence was a ‘straight talker’, she would always speak her truth. Her culture and the language were very important to her.

Flo was a wonderful mother to Steven. She also took in other children in need of a home and cared for them, as their mum. There was always room for one more in her home. Her caring nature touched many people in her life.

Flo will always be remembered for her smile. It could open up a whole room. She will also be remembered for the way she made people laugh.

Aunty Ruth Walker and Aunty Rita Ballangarry

Through fundraising and applying for grants and engaging in partnerships, this Foundation does, in culturally supportive ways, work to improve the wellbeing of Country and community.

In relation to community wellbeing, Mujaay Ganma:

• Works to improve the wellbeing of Country so that community can know the importance of Country in the wellbeing of all.
• Helps Elders to sit with the unwell and those in the later stages of life.
• Supports families of those undergoing cancer treatments.
• Educates younger community people to learn how to be with and help those suffering from cancer and treatments.
• Engages in learning culturally informed healing practices that support the healing of trauma and grief.
• Encourages healthy lifestyle activities for the younger community members.
• Offers cultural awareness learning opportunities to mainstream health personnel to help them better serve their patients.

In relation to the wellbeing of Country, Mujaay Ganma:

• Created and takes care of the Yuraal Native Food Community Garden.
• Shares cultural ways of working with Country and native plants with visiting schools.
• Supports young custodians of Country to collect native seeds and propagate native plants which are available for sale at their Nursery.
• Engages in Custodial Regeneration of Country, including Koala Rehabilitation of Country, in conjunction with LLS, Nambucca Valley Land Care, and the Gaagal Wanggaan Management Board and NPWS.