Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation

19/06/2026

This is devastating news and something that we should remain vigilant about. NWAC in partnership with DCCEEW, will be running a free Bird flu influenza workshop here in Coffs Harbour for Indigenous groups along the Mid North Coast and North Coast of NSW. In this workshop, you will learn how to identify and respond appropriately. Please follow our page to keep updated on further information as you will need to register. Alternatively, please send an email to [email protected] to register your interest and our Ranger team will be in touch.

Devastating news from Heard Island, where more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups have died amid a confirmed H5N1 bird flu outbreak.

The virus has now been detected in seals, penguins and petrels on Australian territory, though mainland Australia remains free of this serious strain.

For Australia's birds, this is a sobering reminder of why preparation, monitoring and habitat protection matter.

Healthy birds, strong populations and safe habitats give wildlife the best possible chance to withstand emerging threats. That's why BirdLife Australia is working to protect and restore critical habitats, including the wetlands that support millions of birds across Australia each year.

If you see sick or dead birds or marine mammals, please do not touch them. Report them to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

🔗Support our work to protect Australia's birds and wetlands. Donate today: http://wetlandsappeal.birdlife.org.au?utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=t26/h5&utm_content=link

19/06/2026

Thanks for another week of training and mentoring with CSIRO and UTAS has seen the NWAC Ranger team deploying CTD, ROV and BRUVS equipment throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
These surveys help us monitor water quality, marine habitats, fish populations and the overall health of our Sea Country. The information collected supports long-term marine monitoring and helps guide future conservation and management decisions.
Combining cultural knowledge with science and technology is building local skills and strengthening Indigenous-led marine monitoring across Gumbaynggirr Sea Country.

10/06/2026

A big thank you to AJ, Sid and Geoff for helping build our knowledge and skills in identifying harmful bacteria, fungi and pests that threaten our native plants.
Over the past two days, we learned about Myrtle Rust, Phytophthora Dieback and the Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer, including how to detect these threats in our native vegetation and the steps we can take to prevent their spread.
We also discussed the cultural impacts these diseases and pests can have on our communities if important plant species are lost, and identified the culturally significant species that are most important to protect in our area.

18/05/2026

Giinagay ngujawiny!
Nginu (For you)!

Here is a look at what our team has been up to over the last three months!
Since February the team has been busy observing and Caring for our beloved Wajaarr and Gaagal.

It's time to start keeping an eye out for our Gurruuja migrating north from Antarctica to the warmer breeding waters of Queensland.

Happy reading to you all! Darrundang 🙂

15/05/2026

Some of the NWAC Rangers were lucky enough to head over to South Solitary Island alongside volunteers from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service who were undertaking bush regeneration work on the island. 🏝️🚁

It was a great opportunity to learn about the island’s rich history, biodiversity, shorebird migration, and the many species that call it home, while also gaining insight into the important restoration work helping to protect and care for Sea Country.

A huge thank you to the Coffs Coast area, part of the North Coast Branch, for making this experience possible.

13/05/2026

On Gumbaynggirr Country, we are now in Yarrawirrga.

A time when the land begins to cool and the air becomes drier.

During Yarrawirrga, short-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) are on their annual migration from their Australian breeding grounds to the northern hemisphere. One of these important breeding grounds is Giidany Miirlarl (Moon Sacred Place), also known as Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.

Flowering paperbarks, Imperial Jezebel Baarany (butterflies), and Hairy Grubs forming lines all signal that Gaagal (the Ocean) is thriving with life!
At this time, Buluunggal lay their eggs in our estuaries before migrating back out to Gaagal. Yugiirr (dolphins) and Yanggaay (sharks) also become more active in our estuaries and Gaagal, following the abundance of Yamaarr (fish).

11/05/2026

Darrundang to Coffs Harbour High School for inviting us to come and talk to the students about our Junior Ranger program.

29/04/2026

Amazing project happening!!

If you have any historical/ cultural stories about Sawfish on Gumbaynggirr County, please let us know.

By combining museum specimens, DNA analysis and historical records, researchers are revealing how these ancient animals once lived and what it will take to prevent their complete disappearance.

24/04/2026

Our team recently completed ORRCA Marine Mammal Rescue Training, working alongside other Indigenous ranger groups to strengthen community‑led responses to marine mammal incidents.

A great opportunity to share skills, learn from each other, and deepen our collective care for Sea Country.

Thanks to Ashley, Pip and Sharyn for sharing your knowledge.
Supported through MEMSI4 and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. (DPIRD)

24/04/2026

Giingay,

We had an incredible time at YouthFest in Coffs Harbour, connecting with community and sharing space with so many deadly young people.

Our team was proud to host a stall, yarn with the community, and share knowledge about Solitary Islands Marine Park and the importance of caring for Sea Country.
It was a powerful day of both teaching and learning — sharing who we are and the work we do, while also listening, learning, and growing through the voices and experiences of our community and mob.

Thank you to everyone who came by for a yarn, asked questions, and showed interest in caring for Country. Days like this remind us how strong community is when we come together.