Mujaay Ganma

Julumbawambi at the Bowraville Theatre

 Late last year Mujaay Ganma presented ‘Julumbawambi’ at the Bowraville Theatre. This was a deeply moving series of Gumbaynggirr stories, from lived experiences, over generations in the Bowraville region of the Nambucca Valley. We were both respectful of, and grateful for, the guidance of Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO, who worked with the storytellers, as well as directing and performing readings and Sarah Reid Roberts, Actor, who also performed readings for the storytellers. Our appreciation also goes to Create NSW for the grant that enabled us to work with Aunty Ruth’s vision.

This event was big for a community that only 60 years ago was experiencing segregation in many places including the Bowraville Theatre. Aboriginal people were not able to enter the theatre other than from a door down the side of the building. They could only do this after the film had started and had to sit down the front and away from the new settlers, whose seats were separated by a screen.

On Saturday evening, 30 November 2024, Uncle Martin provided a welcome like no other. Far be it for us to describe it here, all who witnessed it will know what we mean. It provided the feeling of a sacred place where the stories could be told. This theatre production of Julumbawambi provided the audience with a truly memorable experience for the best of reasons. Some people when leaving the theatre were without words, holding hand on heart, by way of showing their appreciation.

From a couple who attended the evening and on reflection, chose to share the following:

Each of the storytellers gave us something unique – but the undercurrent of generational love, respect and admiration was strong. All shared the comfort and joy of connection to country and the wonder of the human spirit and its strength through adversity.

Rhoda and Sarah’s skills brought Aunty Sandra and Virginia’s stories, and Aunty Ruth’s and Lana’s stories to life. Big stories to tell. Patricia showed she is a truly skilled writer and her poetry moved us deeply. Special thanks to Thomas for sharing his life story and his inspiring motivations, a truly brave young warrior surely destined for big things.

Now this year marks the 60^th Anniversary of the Freedom Ride led by Charles Perkins. This story was not included in those told in the Julumbawambi collection, but recently Uncle Martin shared his memories with us.

This occurred a little before he turned 13, a young lad and because he was short in stature, he may have seemed younger. His cousin Anne (16 at the time) grabbed him by the hand and said ‘Come on Martin we are going to check this out!’ Then turned to his mum and said ‘Aunty Hilda I am going to take him now’. There were lots of our people down there when they arrived. ‘This was the beginning of my relationship with Charles. How we got inside was with Charles and them negotiating. Sammy Raymond was in the ticket box at the front of the theatre. He gave Martin the ‘Admit One’ ticket (torn in half, as it was to admit a child). Charles walked Martin and Anne into the back of the theatre and they sat right there at the back. This was in a place that had been prohibited.

However as the ‘ads’ were finishing and the kookaburra was laughing, to herald the beginning of the newsreel, the 12 year old Martin was poked really hard with a stick in his back. It was a very hard jab, as it really hurt. ‘It was a bloody copper’. The young Martin was escorted out of the theatre. Charles and a couple of others who were with him, objected and things got heated. ‘I think Charles grabbed the stick … not sure, but there was a scuffle’. This experience left Uncle Martin with a strong memory that he has never forgotten in these intervening 60 years.

With this story in mind we can see why Julumbawambi, presented at the Bowraville Theatre, was a very powerful and meaningful experience for all who were fortunate enough to be there.

Jaanymili Bawrrungga –  

Don’t miss out on this fabulous community event hosted by Jaanymili Bawrrunga! On the 30th of January they will be holding a Community Sports Day at the Hennessey Tape Oval in Bowraville between 10am and 2pm. Get ready for a blast with skills and drills in touch football and basketball. There will be a delicious FREE BBQ lunch held on the day. This will be a day of fun and is suitable for the whole family! ALL WELCOME!

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