From Country
Mujaay Ganma
NAIDOC WEEK
The theme for NAIDOC week this year was Keep the Fires Burning: Blak Loud and Proud .
We at Mujaay Ganma sat with the Elders and with our Board to explore how we might celebrate, in a way that was true to who we are and to what we do. The Elders were keen to offer something different from what we have done before. They also wanted to create an event that was more about the culture than about the contemporary celebrations that are often part of NAIDOC.
It was at this point in the discussions that we all got a bit excited. We already had a fireplace at our Native Community Garden. We grow natives that can flavour foods. The idea of honouring fire seemed to explode into thoughts of ceremonies and then we saw the connection between fire and our truly powerful fire that lights and warms and brings life to us all. The plan for celebrating NAIDOC 2024 seemed to take shape before our eyes. We would have a sunrise ceremony at Valla Beach honouring Ngayan (the sun) and follow it with breakfast at the fireplace where we would honour Waagay (the fire). Healthy North Coast through Hilton Naden, liked the concept enough to provide us with a small grant.
So Sunday 7 July, after a week or more of heavy unseasonal rain, the day dawned with star light visible, as the first light began to spread across the eastern sky. Those of us willing to brave the cold and risk a possible shower arrived at South Valla to witness a sunrise that felt less about the sun and more about the ocean. Gaagal seemed to capture our attention. As we settled into the feeling of Country in the early morning light, Uncle Martin engaged us all with his words of respect for the Country, the culture and the simplicity of being together to welcome the day.
We then enjoyed a hot cuppa at the local Café which was warm and inviting. Here we yarned about life relationships and culture. Little did we realise what awaited us as we left the café warm and refreshed. As we walked outside showers were falling. It was at this time that the sun came out from behind the clouds, shining brightly, and with the rain created the most perfect rainbow we had ever experienced. Our hearts filled with joy and we felt that Country and Ngayan were surely smiling on us as NAIDOC 2024 began.
With the ground so wet our planned breakfast was put off till another day but our Saturday event was then planned to honour Waagay. We all gathered around the fireplace on Saturday afternoon. Aunty Ruth had organised for the urn to be heated and tea and coffee available until the fire was ready to cook. Thomas did a great job with the fire and Uncle Martin engaged us all with stories. He made it clear that yarning around the fire meant that we were all included and it was for us all to share a story, as we shared the fire.
Jude volunteered to cook the fish while Thomas took care of the sausages. Jude used native ginger leaves to flavour the fish as it cooked and included sprigs of native mint to bring our native flavours to the meal. As night fell we were still drawn to sit at the fire still. Yarning continued until the cold surrounded us enough to move us home. We left feeling strengthened by Waagay and feeling blessed to have shared the fire and the yarning. The Gumbaynggirr culture holds so much for us all, here on Country.
.https://www.instagram.com/mujaay.ganma/
From Bowraville Central School
Year 8-10 Students Enjoy Enriching Adventure at Young Men’s Camp!
Our Year 8-10 students recently had an amazing time at the Young Men’s Health and Wellbeing Camp, at Valla Beach, hosted by Jaanymili Bawrrungga (JB). The camp was funded by the TEl Student Support Program, which JB has been delivering for 12 months in partnership with our school, with a special focus on student emotional health and wellbeing.
This unique experience took our young men out on country, developing positive relationships, opportunities to learn life-skills and giving them the chance to connect with the land and each other, all under the guidance of strong local Gumbaynggirr male role models.
The camp was packed with incredible activities, starting with a powerful smoking ceremony and traditional Gumbaynggirr men’s activities with Ricky Buchanan, Uncle Troy Robinson and Ronan Singleton from Bulaari Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation.
The students participated in cultural activities, did boxing and fitness sessions with instructor Kane Gois and enjoyed a fascinating tour of the local landscape with a focus on bush tucker and medicinal plants, with NSW NPWS Ranger Dennis Milgate.
There was plenty of leisure and recreation too! The boys had fun swimming in the pool, fishing, and playing touch footy. They even had a blast on the microphone with Lachlan Skinner from OneMob Radio and Jack Archibald from Interrelate.
The camp was a fun and enriching opportunity for our young male students to learn, connect, receive guidance, get stronger and enjoy themselves. Thanks to JB and all the wonderful male role models who made this experience so unforgettable!
#whatacommunitywelivein
https://www.instagram.com/jb_bowraville/
Valley Feature
The Bowraville Theatre Hosts International Icon - Toni Childs The Bowraville Theatre lives up to its reputation for getting iconic artists to perform in their stunning state of the art Theatre. On Saturday evening July 20th, international singer/ songwriter Toni Childs entertained a booked out Bowraville Theatre.
Gracing the stage at seven thirty, Toni Child interacted with the crowd, promising a ‘Loved up show” and that is exactly what she delivered. Toni began the show with her golden oldies and finished with the new works of art she has been creating whilst living as a now, proud Australian Citizen in Northern NSW.
Congratulations to the Bowraville Theatre and the wonderful Volunteers, that served at the doors, served food and beverages behind the counter, ushered people to their seats and delivered lights and sound. A wonderful community effort!
NAMBUCCA VALLEY YOUTH CREATE PUBLIC MOSAIC AT NAMBUCCA VALLEY PHOENIX
During week 2 of the School Holidays, Nambucca Valley Phoenix hosted a four-day workshop under the instruction of Artist Fiona McAulay. During this workshop the attending Nambucca Valley Youth learned about Mosaic skill and created multiple individual pieces such as coasters, birds, turtles and pot stands.
Once they got the hang of it, the final collaborative masterpiece of the four day workshops was to create the Nambucca Valley Phoenix emblem – the Phoenix. They did an amazing job, be sure to drop by when you are in Bowraville next, enjoy a warm beverage from the Nambucca Valley Phoenix Cafe and check out the masterpiece our Young People of the Nambucca Valley have created!
DID YOU KNOW
The list for the finalist for the Phoenix Art Prize 2024 has been released!
Our stories
A Diamond in our Nambucca Valley Community, Sue Woodward, Honoured for her Community Work.
It was a very special day on the 28th of June as the Nambucca Valley Community celebrated an amazing lady, Sue Woodward. Lifetime Connect Staff, Board Members, family, friends and the Mayor gathered at the Lifetime Connect office to honour Sue and her amazing contributions to the Nambucca Valley Community Family Services. Sue has volunteered over 34 years of her time, service and leadership to the Nambucca Valley Children’s Group and Lifetime Connect. Nambucca Valley Mayor Rhonda Hoban praised Sue for her relentless hard work for the community and presented her with a service plaque made by the Lifetime Connect – Mens Group, as well as a bouquet of stunning flowers.
A very big thank you to Sue for all her hard work and dedication to our wonderful community!
WHAT IS SHORETRACK IN THE NAMBUCCA VALLEY COMMUNITY?
ShoreTrack was founded in 2020 by Jill Ashley and Paul (Fatty) Ireland. They both have had a strong and active presence in the community in previous years. It was clear to Jill and Fatty there was a gap that the system was failing to fill, which was mainly affecting disadvantaged, disengaged, high risk and vulnerable young people and their engagement in traditional learning environments and their community.
The organisation started with small steps, with Jill and Fatty volunteering for a year – securing the support of their community. They then expanded with skilled staff and assets they knew were needed to make their operation a success. This then led to working with a small group of young people who were at risk of, or already disengaged, from local high schools.
Today ShoreTrack is recognised as providing the wrap around support and quality skills development needed by disadvantaged school aged students in our Valley. ShoreTrack facilitates reengagement in learning and pathways into entry level employment.
ShoreTrack works with young people, (especially those who are at risk of disengaging, or no longer engaged in employment, education, or training) experiencing significant disadvantage.
Young people can refer themselves to ShoreTrack or through their school, family, the Transition to Work Program or community service agencies. ShoreTrack works closely with community and industry to provide hands-on work projects and activities, which helps young people achieve employment outcomes.
ShoreTrack provides young people (aged 10-25 years old) with holistic, flexible and long-term support needed to re-engage back with school, community, in education or training, or on pathways to employment.
ShoreTrack support helps young people to:
• Better understand their own skills and interests and the pathways and opportunities that may be available to them in the new world of work.
• Build trades skills .
• Build employability skills such as teamwork, punctuality, reliability, cooperation, and problem solving.
• Explore career options that suit their abilities and interests and help them re-engage back into education
• Understand and meet the expectations that employers have of job applicants.
• Improve job search, job application and interview skills .
• Identify and follow employment opportunities in their local community.
If you would like to donate to ShoreTrack, become a supporter or industry collaborator, reach out at https://shoretrack.org.au .
Love your local
The Valley Hub Podcasting
It has been a very busy month for The Valley Hub Podcast. The Valley Hub stories interviewed local Hollie Hill and her husband Chris, sharing about what it was like making the move back to the Nambucca Valley after 17 years away. They also talked about running a business in the Nambucca Valley.
This is a podcast you don’t want to miss! You can listen on your favourite podcast platform or simply press the link below!
https://thevalleyhubstories.podbean.com/e/tvh-stories-episode-38-hollie-chris-hill/
If you would like to be a part of The Valley Hub’s Podcast stories, please reach out to our business manager Tamara at info@thevalleyhub.com.au
Spill the Tea with Tam & Sal has officially launched this month on The Valley Hub Podcast Channel. A very exciting and innovative podcast that is hosted by Nambucca Valley Locals, Tamara McWilliam and Sally Liddell-Heather. It is a podcast that is released weekly. Each episodes talks on issues that surround us in the world today.
Episode 1 & 2 are now available on your favourite Podcast listening platform or you can click on the links below!
Episode 1 – You call it OCD I call it doing it right https://thevalleyhubstories.podbean.com/e/spill-the-tea-with-tam-sal-episode-1/
Episode 2 – Divorce is not a dirty word https://thevalleyhubstories.podbean.com/e/spill-the-tea-with-tam-sal-episode-2/
or keep informed at
Growing up in Uralla, Erin Gallaher was surrounded by farm and family. Her family home had an open door to any and all that needed help, an attribute that has shaped how Erin sees life. Now with a big family of her own, this notion informs Erin’s day to day life. An early childhood educator by trade, Erin now works to support children and adults with a disability to engage in all that life has to offer. Erin is passionate about ensuring individuals have the access to community that they deserve ‘I don’t think anyone should miss out on experiences or interactions when a little bit of assistance is all that is required’, she says.
Noting that navigating the NDIS scheme is a barrier for some families, Erin often goes the extra mile “I’ll go to advocacy meetings, hearings, hospitals, whatever is required to make it work and make it work well for the individual and their family”, quips Erin. It is clear that Erin is passionate about her role, upskilling and constantly learning all there is on offer to ensure she provides the best service for her clients. Why wouldn’t she… “they very quickly become family, you’re sharing your lives and creating meaningful connection”, she notes.
When asked about her favourite component of support work, Erin says it has to be finding the humour, “Navigating communication and travel and all the in between can be really taxing for some children and adults, having a bit of a joke and seeing the lighter side of life together, can create a really positive working relationship and provide positive experiences”. And with that, who wouldn’t want Erin to be a part of their support family?
Erin provides individual support from Woolgoolga through to Kempsey.
Written by- Penny Coulter
Counsellor/ Social Worker
Spotlight on
Cafe Cha Cha in Macksville has a large variety of delicious meals, sweets and warm beverages to send your taste buds into a spin!
Open: Monday- Friday 6am-3pm
Saturday -6am-1pm
Sunday – CLOSED
It’s not too late to register for mid season Auskick intake.
Best of all, in a bid to increase the number of girls playing Auskick, NAB Auskick have just announced that registration for girls aged 5-11 will be FREE. That’s right, completely FREE for girls to register. For more information please contact Nambucca Valley Coordinator Renee Stanton. @nambuccavalleylionsafl
.
GOODSAM
GoodSAM is a first responder APP. If you are trained in first aid you can make a difference in the Nambucca Valley community by simply downloading the GoodSAM Responder App today. By downloading this App you could save a life. If you are in the immediate vicinity of a cardiac arrest you will be alerted through the App on your phone so you can start CPR or basic first aid in the critical minutes before the emergency services arrive. The GoodSAM platform is highly governed and secure, with checks to ensure that all responders are medically qualified. Once you are verified you will join our network of community lifesavers.
Give back to your Nambucca Valley community and beyond by becoming a GoodSAM.
SPRINGLOADED NAMBUCCA HEADS
The Nambucca Valley locals are over the moon with the opening of Springloaded in Nambucca Heads! Local legends and business owners Kane and Peta Gois from Connective Fitness in Macksville have made thousands of young Nambucca Valley locals, very happy children!
Here is a little word from Kane and Peta:
Hi, we are Kane & Peta Gois, the new owners of Springloaded Nambucca Valley. As the owners and operators of Connective Fitness, we bring years of experience and a shared passion for coaching and movement.
You will often find Peta in the kids’ area, where her patience and dedication to helping children shines through. As a mum, she is committed to supporting our smaller gymnasts and their parents in building a vibrant tiny tots community. Kane, with 8 years of experience as a PT, brings extensive knowledge of coaching and development, that he is excited to transition into the world of gymnastics. Together, they are dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for all of their members.
Springloaded Nambucca Heads is open
Monday – Friday | Class Times Only
Saturday | 10am-4pm
Sunday | 10am-3pm
School Holidays | 10am-4pm Everyday
Inside knowledge
How The Valley Hub Can Support You... The Valley Hub is excited to offer Businesses and Not-for-Profit Organisations access to a strong social media platform, that celebrates the Nambucca Valley and a website with a ‘What’s Happening’ calendar, Monthly Newsletter and Business/ Community Directory through our memberships. We pride ourselves in bringing The Valley Hub Podcast to the Nambucca Valley and making it accessible to all members. We are currently putting together The Valley Hub Magazine that will be released seasonally in print and E-form, celebrating all the Nambucca Valley has to offer.
As a member you will receive:
5 free ads on social media
12 months free access to the events calendar
10 percent discount on all advertising in The Valley Hub magazine.
Free listing on The Valley Hub Website.
Access to all tools and educational material on The Valley Hub Website.
What's on in the Valley
EMPLOYMENT in the NAMBUCCA VALLEY
Let the games begin
THE VALLEY HUB MONTHLY TRIVIA QUEST The answers will be shared next month – let us know how you fared.
JULY QUESTIONS (70’S MUSIC)
1. What is the name of David Bowie’s flamboyant alter ego?
2. What year was the Sony Walkman released?
3. Which legendary British Band released their final album in May 1970
4. What was the best selling single of the decade (1970’s) in the UK?
5. Who sang “Rocket Man”?
6. Which Led Zeppelin song famously references Norse Mythology?
7. Which Irish Rock band sang ‘The Boys are Back in Town’?
MAY ANSWERS
1. 1997
2. The Bodyguard
3. Jerry Maguire
4. 1994
5. 7
6. Ghost
7. Toy Story
Valley publications
Stay in touch with other Valley publications available.