Nywaigi Country & People

11/04/2026

01/04/2026

27/03/2026

Nywaigi Crystal Creek Camp site is now at full capacity for Easter. A little bit of Paradise

03/03/2026

My Nywaigi Story

Melisa’s Journey Through her Nywaigi Country

In the heart of my Nywaigi Country, just north of Gurrumbilbarra (Townsville), lies a sanctuary—a healing place known as Little Crystal Creek, Munan Gumburu. For years, this beautiful waterway has been my refuge, a spot where the relentless noise of the outside world fades away. As I stand at the creek, the crystal-clear waters rush by, soothing my body and invigorating my spirit. Here, the whispers of my ancestors surround me, touching me, watching over me, guiding and protecting me as I walk across the land, reminding me of the deep connections to my heritage. I feel safe.

As I listen to the delightful songs of the birds, I am transported back to Mungalla, where the air is filled with the sounds of nature. It feels revitalising to be back on country, where I can walk freely, inhale the fresh, crisp air, and revel in the beauty of the rainforest that envelops me. The majestic palms sway gently, and the melody of crashing waves from Forest Beach reminds me of the horizon stretching over to the great Palm Islands.

Yet, amidst this breathtaking beauty lies a shadow—a dark history woven into the fabric of the land. Driving through Halifax towards Lucinda, the memories flood my mind. As I cross the bridge over the Herbert River, I cannot help but think of my grandfather, who was born on its banks. His stories echo in my heart, tales of resilience and struggle faced by our people. It was out of his control but he had to abide by the orders of demand from the White Protector for fear of being punished simply for protecting his family.

Under the oppressive Act, my family was forcibly taken to Palm Island, uprooted and thrust into a world that sought to strip us of our identity. We were forced to conform, to adapt to a lifestyle foreign to our spirits. And so, I imagine the lives of my ancestors as I pass The Gardens, picturing South Sea Islanders trapped in a cycle of toil and heartache, laboring under harsh conditions to build the sugar cane farms that profited others. They worked tirelessly, their sweat pouring into the very earth from which they were denied their due.

Mothers, who should have cradled their own babies, were compelled to care for white infants, their own children left yearning for love and nurture. I acknowledge this painful history; it’s a part of our journey that cannot be forgotten.

With every step I take on this sacred ground, I carry their stories, their pain, and their joy. My heart swells with appreciation for the beauty surrounding me, yet it aches with the weight of our past. I am a guardian of these memories—past and present intertwined—and I honor them with every breath I take in Nywaigi Country.

As I walk away from Little Crystal Creek, I know that the land speaks to me, tells me to cherish my roots and to never forget the journey my people undertook. The stories of resilience live on, and as I emerge from the forest, I breathe in the promise that, like the crystal-clear waters, we will continue to flow forward, heal, and thrive.

Written by Melisa Drummond-Anderson, Nywaigi Traditional Owner.

01/03/2026

🖤💛❤️Leadership in the Service of Nywaigi Aspirations🖤💛❤️

Cultural Leadership is not a competition contest; it is a profound responsibility grounded in exerting our cultural obligations to progress the aspirations of the Nywaigi people.

Cultural load is Real‼️

Cultural leadership that’s based on common core principles means choosing to carry the cultural load, making selfless decisions to uplift and empower a disadvantaged community. For Nywaigi, each decision reflects a deep connection to our waterways, forests, and heritage, health and wellbeing guiding our people towards a sustainable and flourishing future.

In the context of Nywaigi leadership, this means:

⭐️ Aligning decisions with our cultural values instead of seeking external validation.

⭐️ Upholding our cultural boundaries, even in the face of resistance, to protect our land and heritage.

⭐️ Emphasising long-term impacts such as land stewardship and environmental restoration, over immediate recognition.

⭐️ Embracing discomfort, understanding that responsible leadership often involves challenging conversations and tough choices.

“I ❤️ being on my Nywaigi Country. It’s what grounds me from the noise of the world.”

When leadership is swayed by the desire for popularity, it can become reactive and uncertain, risking the trust and integrity vital for our community. Yet, leaders anchored in Nywaigi values promote steady and clear direction, fostering credibility and resilience within our community.

Leadership is about responsibility, clarity, and integrity.

I AM A PROUD NYWAIGI WOMAN‼️

Together, we carry the weight of our ancestors' dreams, guiding the Nywaigi people towards a sustainable future built on respect for our land and resources. By embracing our rich cultural heritage, we can foster a thriving, empowered community for generations to come.

🤩Happy International Women of Colour Day✨‼️

✨Mel✨

07/01/2026

🌿 DATE CLAIMER — NYWAIGI WOMEN’S GATHERING 2026 🌿

We’re coming back to Country.
And this year… we gather again, stronger than ever😆✊🏾

🗓 Friday 25th – Sunday 27th September 2026
📍 Mutarnee | Big Crystal Creek | Nywaigi Country
👩🏽‍🦱 Nywaigi Women ONLY
💳 Registration Cost: $150 per person
🚺 ONLY 30 x Spots Available
💰 AfterPay Payment Option available

The Nywaigi Women’s Gathering is a sacred space for Nywaigi women to reconnect, heal, learn, laugh, share stories and stand together in strength.

This year’s gathering will focus on:

✨ cultural reconnection & storytelling
✨ healing and wellbeing on Country
✨ leadership & empowerment for our women
✨ cultural heritage and identity
✨ business, enterprise and future opportunities
✨ strengthening the Nywaigi Women’s Alliance

More details about registrations, program information and travel support will be announced soon — but for now, please lock in the dates and spread the word among our Nywaigi sisters.

This Gathering continues the journey of honouring our Elders, uplifting our women and creating pathways for our future generations.

🌺 Together, we return to Country.
Together, we rise.

Register here:👇🏾

https://events.humanitix.com/nywaigi-women-s-gathering-2026-on-country-or-healing-culture-leadership

For questions, please email:
📧 [email protected]

06/01/2026

Happy New Year . ❤️💛🖤!

We have many things to look forward to this year as we begin Stage Two of our journey towards self-determination in unity.
A very special thank you to the Koori Mail for celebrating our story on page 6 of their final edition for 2025.
We are stronger together.❤️💛🖤
Want to know more? Contact Process Unite at [email protected]
Go to https://www.processunite.com/

, , ,

14/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/181JFfNNnu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The power of unity was celebrated in the biggest gathering of our dancers in decades at Mungalla Station, Nywaigi Country on 29 November. ❤️💛🖤
Almost 300 people gathered to watch the Bandjin, Djiru, Girramay, Gulngay, Gugu Badhun, Jirrbal, Nywaigi, Warrgamay and Warungu dancers join together around the unity fire as the sun set on this historic event.

The Cultural Authorisation and Maja Agreement was endorsed by Senior Elders from all nine Traditional Groups.
Five groups have signed and committed to joining the push for self determination through a comprehensive settlement – the Bandjin, Girramay, Gulngay, Nywaigi and Warrgamay peoples. Conversations are continuing with other groups.

In the words of the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson and Warrgamay Traditional Owner Thomas Holden:

“This was a powerful moment for me. To stand with our nine tribal groups, guided by our Elders and surrounded by our families, was a reminder of our strength, unity, and identity.

"The elements were with us. The determination of our people was undeniable. What we witnessed was true cultural authority and integrity. Our Lore, our Story, our Way.

"Proud of our people. Proud of our unity.
Stronger together, always.”

This is our moment in history. This is our journey to a sustainable future, putting culture and lore back at the core of caring for Country. This is for our children’s children.

Our progress to date would not have been possible without the support of our key funders Great Barrier Reef Foundation and The Nature Conservancy Australia who have been our partners throughout stage one of this journey.
We are also grateful to the support of WWF-Australia and Girringun for ensuring that the Cultural Authorisation and Maja Agreement weekend could take place.

Want to know more? Contact Process Unite at [email protected]
Go to https://www.processunite.com/
📷🎥 Phisch Creative and K Rivera Media.
, , ,

09/12/2025

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have coordinated & facilitated the recent MAJA Gathering on my Nywaigi Country. Standing with our Senior Elders, families, and allies as we placed our hands and our hearts on the Cultural Authorisation and MAJA Agreement was powerful beyond words. Through rain and thunder, we honoured our Ancestors, affirmed truth, and committed to a self-determined future for our children’s children. ❤️💛🖤

Thank you to the incredible Process Unite team for your steady guidance and unwavering support, and to everyone who travelled to be with us. Your presence, unity, and strength carried this moment.

Phase 2 is on the way—stay tuned for updates.

Melisa Anderson
Nywaigi Traditional Owner

06/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A6Jy6Dkje/?mibextid=wwXIfr

From wildlife spotting to cultural storytelling and hands-on activities - Mungalla has something for everyone.

Bring the family, learn something new, and experience the beauty of Nywaigi Country.

(Images supplied)

27/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17Zztg4J3V/?mibextid=wwXIfr

29/10/2025