From Country
Mujaay Ganma
Custodial Regeneration of Country
In our day to day conversations about our work, we find ourselves frequently talking about the challenge we face when communicating the essential difference between custodial regeneration of Country practices and the mainstream approach.
Let’s start with what Country means to Gumbaynggirr people, who are still in relationship with Country. We are using the word ‘relationship’ deliberately as it helps to express the nature of the connection. Many First Peoples refer to ‘Mother Earth’ which helps establish the ‘relationship’ factor. As people we can relate to a mother as the giver of life. Taken further Country covers not just a word for what we have come to call nation, or in some places the land and waterways of a part of the Earth, however to our people, Country includes all of the life forms and all of the elements in the land and waterways as well. We are just another form of life sharing this Country, only we, as custodians, also have a responsibility to care for this Country, this place and all life in it.
Our regeneration of Country work is done within this context. It may mean that in the short term we might take a little longer to clear invasive species as we look to carefully protect the young native plants trying to survive among the invasive exotics. It may mean that we take the time to look, listen and take in what Country is showing us. This we do with deep respect for the native plants, for the waterways and the soils of the land and for the native animals trying to survive in an ailing environment.
In our world today, where we live in a fast paced system of getting the job done quickly, it can mean the overuse of toxic chemicals and fertilisers designed to promote unnatural growth, to meet market demands. From a cultural perspective, caring for the future is an intrinsic part of our value system. Short term profits are not the driving force behind who we are and what we do. This is true for those of us still holding the values of our ancestors who showed us how to support a healthy environment for future generations.
Some may see that our way is not economically feasible in today’s world but this is not really so, unless we only think short term. Taking the time to work with Country our way has real benefit. The young native plants are not wiped out with indiscriminate spraying, this results in the healthy uninterrupted growth of young natives encouraging the early return of the native animals. With the return of the animals the soils get fertilised, the birds return, along with the insects and the ecosystem starts to work in harmony. It may require some follow-up to ensure the regrowth of invasives is curbed, but life returns and Country is healthy and happy once more.
As the manager of Mujaay Ganma’s Bush Regeneration Team said recently:
“ As I see it, the primary difference occurs right at the beginning. It is between two different mindsets which informs different goals for the work. Weed control generally is about controlling a space for the production of agricultural products which ultimately draws down to making money. With bush regeneration the goal is to clear invasive species from a space to encourage and promote the natural process of the bush to recover bringing back native species.
Country is sacred to all Aboriginal people. Every blade of grass, every drop of water, the trees and animals walking and living amongst it. It is our pathway to the dreaming*. Working in the Bush Regeneration space is a spiritually invigorating and building process.”
Thomas Stanbrook
*Dreaming refers to the cultural world view of the whole of everything.
Did you know Jannymili Bawrrungga host “Boys Group” every Wednesday afternoon. The boys meet at the Bowraville Central School via the back gate from 3:30pm- 5:00pm. The activities the boys participate in are : Indoor and outdoor activities with Sammy J, Music and DJ Workshops, Art, Fishing and Fitness Programs. ALL WELCOME .
They also host “Girls Group” every Monday afternoon at the Bowraville Central School. Snack and transport is p provided and Girls Group runs from 3:30pm- 5:00pm. The wonderful activities the girls participate in are : Weaving, Painting, Jewellery, Sewing and much more…
ALL WELCOME
Our stories
TIME 2 TALK HOST - LET'S WALK TO REMEMBER
TIME 2 TALK – is a ‘Not for Profit’ organisation in the Nambucca Valley formerly known as Nambucca Valley RUOK? Established by 5 local parents, Danny Doolan (President) Elisse Chapman (Treasurer) Gemma Rostron (Secretary) Corine Huffman and Minna Pritchard. All of whom have been personally affected by mental health concerns in some way.
The crew of Time 2 Talk has now grown to include Paula Buckley and Heidi March.
They started raising funds for the organisation RUOK? in 2016 and have successfully raised over $50,000.00 for Mental Health Awareness. The team were overwhelmed with the response, support and encouragement of the community and continue to push forward with their mission to unite locals to ask the question RUOK? and start the difficult conversation to support and connect.
Time 2 Talk is about opening doors and ending the stigma around Mental Health in our wonderful Nambucca Valley Community. The team at Time 2 talk endevour to link and connect leading service providers that can help with access, advice, support and courses of action for the Valley locals.
Being a small rural area the Nambucca Valley has difficulty knowing where to find help when suffering from metal health issues. All monies raised by Time 2 Talk stays within the Nambucca Valley Community.
It is time to get behind this wonderful local charity and support their up coming event LETS WALK TO REMEMBER.
Head over to their social media pages to keep up to date with all of the wonderful things they are doing for our community.
THE VALLEY HUB INVITED TO THE OPENING OF AANUKA BEACH HOUSE BY OUR NEARBY NEIGHBOUR COFFS HARBOUR.
The Valley Hub was invited to the official launch of Aanuka Beach House in our neighbouring community of Coffs Harbour on the 12th October 2024.
One of New South Wales’ most beloved beachfront locations Diggers Beach is set to once again become a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike with the opening of Aanuka Beach House. Combining world-class service, a selection of unique bar & dining experiences and five stunning event spaces, Aanuka Beach House opened its doors on Monday 30th September after a $5-million reimagining, with renowned hospitality group Tilley & Wills Hotels promising to bring their signature elevated but accessible food & beverage offering to the Coffs Harbour region.
“The location is one of the best we’ve seen on the east coast. It’s just steps from the beach, offering simply stunning views!” CEO of Tilley & Wills Hotels Nick Wills said.
“We know how special this place has been for the Coffs community and generations of holidaymakers, so we’ve had both locals and visitors at the front of our minds in creating Aanuka Beach House.”
With a reputation for delivering vibrant bar & dining experiences at their popular Sydney & Brisbane venues including Cabana Bar, The Greenwood Hotel, The Prince Consort and Verandah Bar, Tilley & Wills Hotels says Coffs Harbour -with its population of more than 78,000 and over 900,000 visitors flocking to the region annually, was a natural choice for the group set up its first beachfront resort venue.
The Valley Hub representative and our Business Manager Tamara was impressed with the newly renovated venue and was happy to see so many Nambucca Valley locals involved in launching Aanuka Beach House. The extensive build and fit-out, completed in just 3.5 months, was a collaborative effort involving the local community.
Aanuka Beach House sits alongside Diggers Beach’s iconic Breakfree at Aanuka Beach Resort which has played host to Australian holidaymakers and some the world’s most famous faces since the mid-1980s. According to the resort’s original owner and local resident Lisa Zuvela, the renovation and reimagining of Aanuka Beach House as a go-to spot on the Coast for fun couldn’t be more fitting.
Heading up the culinary team at Aanuka Beach House are Executive Chefs Brad Sloane (AHA Chef Of The Year & trained under Chef Marco Pierre White) and Richmond Rodrigues. The two experienced kitchen leaders teasing a diverse menu inspired by the stunning beachfront location and fresh local ingredients which will be on offer to guests at breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
“Our goal with the menu was to capture the amazing legacy of Aanuka while celebrating the incredible local produce this region has to offer. We’ve worked closely with farmers, seafood suppliers and growers from Coffs Harbour and beyond and we want to showcase those ingredients in every dish we serve,” Chef Brad said.
Chef Richmond added, “We’ve designed the menu to cater to all tastes and dietary preferences, so whether you’re looking for something adventurous or familiar, you’ll find it here at Aanuka Beach House.
The idea is to have people coming back to explore different seasonal options and always find something new to love. With the stunning coastal location, we knew seafood was going to be one of the heroes of the menu. Our fresh seafood platter is a standout – featuring all local produce from the best catches of the day!”
Other highlights of the food offering promised by the Chefs include an authentic Italian wood-fired oven serving up fresh Napoli-style pizzas, paellas on the lawn for big events and even pigs on spit for special occasions. Then to wash it down with Aanuka Beach House’s Signature Aperol Margarita or the ‘Mega Pina Colada’ and absolute must on your visit!
It was wonderful to see Coffs Harbours newly elected Mayor Nikki Williams give a speech in support of this fabulous new venture of Tilley & Wills Hotels on the stunning Coffs Coast .
Spotlight on
ROSES CAFE – MACKSVILLE
Enjoy a fabulous meal, delicious morning tea or quick takeaway bite to eat at Roses Cafe in Macksville. Located on the stunning Nambucca River in Macksville it is an experience you will never forget.
Open Monday – Friday 9am-3:30pm
Saturday 9am-2pm
Sunday CLOSED
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.
OUR VALLEY MUSEUMS
BOWRAVILLE FOLK MUSEUM
Exhibits in the Bowraville Folk Museum cover almost every area of folk life in the Nambucca Valley.
Some of our more significant displays include a log cabin inhabited by an early pioneer family, the local Presbyterian Church which was relocated to the grounds of the museum and the Boarding House set from the locally filmed The Umbrella Woman which featured Bryan Brown, Rachel Ward and Sam Neill.
We also have a working Blacksmith’s Forge and several other items of working machinery plus an extensive display of everyday items from our local area.
The fascinating museum building was originally a General Store and was then the Headquarters of the Voluntary Defence Corps during World War 2. It continued to operate a Department Store until the Museum opened in 1970.
There is a large collection of newspaper clippings, the most famous from the London Gazette Friday August 19, 1768 with an article about a secret voyage by Captain James Cook. It’s a great read. Copies are available for $5.50.
The Eve Knight collection lapidary collection features a large range of rocks, crystals & glowing rocks. A Children’s Museum is also on the site where they are encouraged to explore the objects on display.
THE FRANK PARTRIDGE VC MILITARY MUSEUM
A tour of the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum takes you on a journey that leads from the trench warfare of WWI to twenty-first century combat technology.
Located in the historic town of Bowraville, its collections cover all of Australia’s armed services and its displays of armoury, uniforms, medals, vehicles, art, publications and memorabilia are the largest on the Mid North Coast. It is a must-see exhibition that brings visitors up close with those who have served Australia since before the days Anzac became part of our language.
Private Frank John Partridge served in the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF in Bougainville. He displayed outstanding heroism during an attack on the Bonis Pennisula in 1945. The Museum has been established in his name, as local memorial to his heroism and to commemorate, honour and preserve the memory of all those who have served Australia at times of conflict.
MARY BOULTON’S PIONEER COTTAGE AND MUSEUM
Take a step back in time to encounter how Nambucca Valley pioneers lived – the early 19th century furnished cottage in a welcoming garden setting; a timber getter’s bark hut, an early cell from Macksville Police Station; horse drawn vehicles; a dairy where cans of cream were stored; tools and implements from the dairy, beef, banana and farm crop industries; and household, personal and clothing items that Grandma (or Great Grandma) would have used including a timber laundry trough.
Early businesses have not been forgotten with the MIDCO display prominent; a seat from the first hotel and a rake used to harvest oysters. Parish maps of the district and charts of early town sub divisions, numerous local history books, files and photographs, and staff to assist with research.
An Open Day is held each September and a pioneer plaque wall is an on-going project.
The grounds are available for hire for marriage and naming ceremonies. Morning or afternoon tea catering available for group tours. This wheelchair friendly complex is managed by a volunteer committee.
THE HEADLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM NAMBUCCA HEADS
The Headland Historical Museum in Nambucca Heads invites you to inspect their huge and interesting collection of local artefacts and memorabilia.
The museum presents a diverse range of exhibits which will attract and intrigue all members of your family regardless of age or background. Whether you’re into history or nostalgia, a visit to the Headland Historical Museum is well worthwhile.
Decades of persevering work on the part of the Nambucca District Historical Society and its supporters has resulted in a Museum experience which will easily keep you spellbound for an hour or two
The historic photos collection alone runs to over 1,000 prints and these are one of the most popular exhibits. There are also many historic documents including bank cheques and ration books. These are found side by side with old photos of local aboriginal leaders.
The basement level of the Headland Museum is filled with a cornucopia of early farm implements, equipment, saddlery, household and work tools. It’s a young boy’s delight.
You’ll find a large collection of wireless sets, gramophones, telephones, lamps, bottles and kitchenware. Samples of early garments, needlework and handcrafts are displayed throughout the museum.
There’s an excellent display of china and ceramics including the notable “Boulton Collection”. Also discover the relics and information about the “Royal Tar”, a famous ship associated with the New Australia Society.
