Mujaay Ganma

Mujaay Ganma has exciting news to share this month.

Firstly and this is something the Nambucca Valley community contributed to!

Mujaay Ganma took delivery of a dual cab 4WD Ute which will make such a difference to our Custodial Regen Team as well as to the Country they are regenerating and contribute to the long term viability of the organisation itself. This has been something we have needed for some time. We can now fit a bigger team into the vehicle which can now access sites in difficult terrain.

Mujaay Ganma was only able to do this with the generosity of Jane & Kristy, owners of  Matilda’s at Nambucca and the 300 plus people who supported the Celebrating Country event held on 26 January this year. Matilda’s has been donating the profits from opening on this day now for the past 3 years and have generously supported the work being done at the Yuraal Native Nursery.

In addition to this donation, which covered the cost of the Mitsubishi Triton from Better Value Motors (who contributed a 12 month warranty), Jimmy Angel came to the party. On hearing that Matilda’s was donating the cost of the Ute, so needed by the Mujaay Ganma Regen Team, Bowraville Tyre and Auto offered to donate all ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure the team can stay ‘on the road’.

 As we celebrate the Freedom Ride in Bowraville 60 years ago this week, it feels like we really can celebrate the changes in our community. Aunty Ruth Walker, was deeply moved by all this generosity “It means everything to Mujaay Ganma to have this donation. This Ute will help our younger generation to do the work that will help Country and everyone here.”  

Secondly and happily also contributing to the Nambucca Valley, we received a grant.

Mujaay Ganma has been working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to design a project which we feel is very important for the Nambucca River. It is called the Nambucca River Cultural Restoration Strategy. This is particularly significant as it includes guidance from the Elders who knew the river 70-80 years ago.

It will involve taking the Elders and members of the Custodial Regen Team out on the river, (with the support of NPWS), where they will identify significant places on the Warrell Creek side of Gaagal Wanggaan. Not only will they be sharing stories but also sharing how the riparian zone looked back then and the native species that were growing there. This will mean that apart from the natives still present, the Mujaay Ganma Regen Team will be planting the species that thrived there in the past.

This work, as well as the work that Miimi’s Mindulum Rangers are doing will all contribute to the health of the river in its estuarine region. Before long we hope to also be able to work up river to ensure the continued health of the wonderful Nambucca River system.

 Celebrating 60th Anniversary of the FREEDOM RIDE

On February 24th our Nambucca Valley community came together for the 60th Anniversary of FREEDOM RIDE BOWRAVILLE.  The day saw a Walk of Respect at 10:00am starting at the Bowraville Central School. The ‘Walk of Respect’ went up High Street to the Bowraville Theatre.

Once in the theatre the community were greeted by Ricky Buchanan as he delivered a Welcome to Country. The morning was filled with short films, Elders sharing their story, performances from the St Mary’s School and a speech by Councillor David Jones.

As the morning continued, the community moved to Grants Hall to look at a special Photo Display and have a delicious  Morning Tea.

Gumbaynggirr Gingana Freedom School Performance showcased their talents  before the community moved to a light lunch and refreshments at the Bowraville Sports Hub with live entertainment from the Donovan Band.

Jaanymili Bawrrungga stated “A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible: Wesley Mission, NIAA, AANSW, Nambucca Valley Council, Fortade, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Bowra Sports Hub, Bowraville Theatre and Durri ACMS.

Jaanymili Bawrrungga hosted with event in partnership with Mid North Coast Local Health District, Wesley Mission, Bowra Sports Hub, Durri, and Matildas.

Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council are pleased to introduce their – Nambucca Valley Cultural Induction Package.  If you are an organisation or service provider in the Nambucca Valley this induction package will aid you in gaining practical tools and insights to enhance your outcomes and build stronger connections. This Cultural Induction Package enhancing your teams  knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal communities in the Nambucca Valley.  Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council’s engaging Cultural Induction Training is tailored to our Local communities.

For more information email Danica, at Danica.burridge@gmail.com or call 0468 944 697