FIFTY years of NAIDOC Week was celebrated at two community events at Urunga and Mylestom last month.
The events were run by the Galangga Biindarray Indigenous Corporation, in partnership with the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire, and explored the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme of “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”.
Held at the Urunga Sailing Club/Sea Scout Hall and Alma Doepel Park in Mylestom, the events celebrated Indigenous culture, heritage, and connection to Country.
A highlight of the celebrations was a woven tapestry on a sail that illustrated the significance and history of key areas of the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers (Repton, Raleigh, Mylestom, Yellow Rock, Urunga, Hungry Head, Wenonah Head and Third Headland).
It took almost 30 people 18 months to weave the tapestry from donated clothes.
The sharing of our Aboriginal maritime history and how the land and water has sustained us is woven into the tapestry among many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stories,” said Aunty Frances Witt from the Galangga Biindarray Indigenous Corporation.
Joining the events were Gumbaynggirr Elders and community members, who shared stories of their lives and relations with the land.
Both events ended with a yarning circle where Elders invited the community to join their discussions.
“The two events inspired the southern Gumbaynggirr people to share their stories of life on the river,” Aunty Frances said.
“The feedback from the yarning circles encapsulated the spirit of Gumbaynggirr life and culture.”
May Smith, coordinator of the Urunga Neighbourhood Centre, said she felt “very honoured” to be part of the celebrations.
“I felt welcomed and I appreciated the humour between the family members.
“They were both very moving days.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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