Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation

14/06/2026

🖤💛❤️ Remembering Kevin Witt ❤️💛🖤
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation acknowledges the passing of a cherished Gumbaynggirr Man and beloved Urunga local, Kevin Witt.
Kevin was a pillar of our community, and his presence, warmth, and spirit will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. As he begins his journey, we pray that he rests peacefully and passes gently into the Dreamtime.
We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts, prayers, and community strength are with you all.
Rest in Dreaming, Kevin. You will never be forgotten. 🌹
Please see the GOFOUNDME link in the comments

06/06/2026

Giinagay! 👋🏾✨
​Reflecting on the incredible energy of the AIATSIS Summit 2026 on the Gold Coast, we are deeply reminded of what happens when First Nations mob from all across the continent stand together in solidarity.
​This year’s theme—Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future.—resonates deeply with the work we do every day here on Budaabang Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr.
​🌱 Our Truth: Rooted in over 65,000 years of continuous culture, ancestral lore, and a deep spiritual connection to our lands and waters.
🔥 Our Power: Driven by community-led solutions, self-determination, and reclaiming our cultural practices, from traditional fire management to linguistic resurgence.
🌅 Our Future: Built by empowering our youth and emerging leaders to walk tall in two worlds, carrying the invaluable wisdom of our Elders forward.
​We return home from the summit inspired, re-energized, and ready to continue driving Indigenous excellence, healing Country, and strengthening our mob for the generations to come. 🖤💛❤️
​Let's keep moving forward together.
​

03/06/2026

Today we honour the legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo and the unwavering strength of Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised what First Nations people have always known — this land was never empty. The Mabo decision overturned terra nullius and affirmed the enduring rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, and identity.

For Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, Mabo Day is a reminder of:

- Truth-telling — acknowledging the real history of this continent
- Sovereignty — our unbroken connection to Country
- Strength — the courage of those who fought for justice
- Legacy — a decision that continues to shape our rights today

We pay our deepest respects to Eddie Mabo, his family, and all Elders past and present who have carried the fight for recognition and justice.

May we continue to walk forward with purpose, unity, and pride — honouring the footsteps that cleared the path for us.

Always was. Always will be.

16/05/2026

🎶 Community Shout-Out! 🎶
Giinagay ngujawiny / Hello you mob! 👋🏽
We just want to give a massive shout-out to the River Sounds festival for bringing such amazing music and energy to the Bellinger Valley!
A huge congratulations and thank you to the mob representing up on stage: the incredible Tasman Keith and Sammy J, and the brilliant Budaabangbari Dancers. You all did us proud! 🌟
Darrundang (Thank you),
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation
🙌🏽🖤💛❤️

25/04/2026

Country is our keeper. 🔥🌿
Last week, the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation gathered on-Country at Ebor to prepare for a cultural burn dedicated to protecting our threatened ground orchids.
This work is a massive team effort, and we were honored to be joined by our Senior Gumbaynggirr Elder, Gawa Cecil Briggs, alongside the Banbai Rangers from Guyra, Waarugirr Indigenous Corporation, and the Dorrigo Aboriginal Land Council.
A project like this requires strong partnerships, and we want to thank NSW Saving our Species, Transport for NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and the team at Ahoy Traffic Control for their vital support on the ground.
After a night spent at the Native Dog campground, we arrived to a morning heavy with dew. It was a reminder that while we can plan, Country tells us when it’s time. Reading the land is key; the fire only happens when the conditions are right and the land gives us the nod.
Instead of a full burn, we gathered for a yarn, did some site preparation, and performed a small smoking of Country. It was a lesson in humility and a reminder of who we truly work for. We don't dictate to the land; we listen to it.

10/04/2026

✨ What a Night! Thank You, Bellingen! ✨
Our hearts are full after an incredible afternoon and evening at the Bellingen Showgrounds. Celebrating Gumbaynggirr culture together was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and our shared commitment to Country.
We want to extend a massive THANK YOU to everyone who made this event a success:
🎤 To our MC & Performers
A special thank you to Lauren Mills for being our wonderful MC and keeping the energy high all night! Shoutout to Gunganbu Band, Jumbaal Dreamin’, Budabaang Bari, Fig Tree Descendants, and Giingan Yiiliwiyay Girrwaa—your music and dance brought the Showgrounds to life.
🌿 To the Workshop Leaders
Thank you to Uncle John Kelly for sharing the art of canoe making and Amber Secombe-Flanders for the beautiful weaving sessions. Keeping these traditions strong is so vital.
🍲 To the Food & Stalls
Thank you to the Bush Tucker Shack and the BEC BBQ for keeping us fed with such amazing flavors.
🤝 To the Organizers & Volunteers
This event was made possible by the incredible coordination of UMBL and the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation team. Thank you to every volunteer who lent a hand to make sure the day was a success.
❤️ To the Community
Most importantly, thank you to YOU for showing up. Whether you joined the IPA consultation to help protect our land or danced along at the concert, your presence made the night truly special.
Together, we are walking toward a stronger future for the Bellinger Valley. Check out some of the highlights from the night below! 📸👇
** **

01/04/2026

🌟 Be Part of Something Special: Volunteers Needed! 🌟
We are looking for passionate community members to help us support two incredible events celebrating and protecting Gumbaynggirr Culture and Country.
The Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation is hosting a double-header on Friday, April 10th, and we need a hand to make it all run smoothly! Whether you can spare an hour or stay for the whole evening, your support would be invaluable.
📅 The Schedule:
* 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Community Consultations for the Proposed Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) at the Main Pavilion.
* 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Gaarlaway Baalijingu (Back to Bellingen Concert) at the Bello Showgrounds.
🤝 How You Can Help:
We need friendly faces for:
* Event Setup & Pack Down: Helping with seating and signage.
* Welcoming & Greeters: Helping people find their way to the Pavilion and Concert.
* Support at the BBQ & Food Stalls: Assisting the Bush Tucker Shack and YAC BBQ team.
* General Logistics: Keeping the space tidy and assisting workshop leads.
✨ Why Volunteer?
This is a unique opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute to the protection of Bellingen’s biodiversity and the honoring of Gumbaynggirr culture. Plus, you’ll get a front-row seat to amazing live music from Jumbaal Dreamin’ and the Gunganbu Band, as well as incredible cultural dancers!
📩 Interested?
If you’d like to join our volunteer team, please use the link to complete the online form.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/qeGJgcyfnY

Let’s walk together to protect and care for this special place for today, and for future generations.

26/03/2026

25/03/2026

🌿 BELLINGER VALLEY — FINAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATION & CULTURAL CELEBRATION 🌿

Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation invites all Bellinger Valley Traditional Custodians and the wider Bellingen community to join us for the final event in our series of community consultations for the proposed Bellinger Valley Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

This is our last chance in this round to come together, listen, learn, and shape a shared future for Country.

🌱 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Come along to:
- Learn about the vision for the Bellinger Valley IPA
- Hear from organisations who care for Country and the animals of our region
- Share your voice, your hopes, and your feedback
- Walk with us toward a culturally governed, community‑led future for the Valley

✨ CELEBRATION OF CULTURE & COUNTRY
After the consultation, we’ll gather for a community celebration honouring Gumbaynggirr culture, with:
- Live music
- Cultural dancers
- Workshops
- Bush tucker and food stalls
- Family‑friendly activities

This is a moment for all of us — Traditional Owners, residents, families, local groups, businesses, and supporters.
A moment to stand together for Country, culture, and future generations.

Let’s finish this series strong. Let’s walk together. Let’s celebrate together.
Darrundang.

27/02/2026

A Tribute to Uncle Bud
​"With the heaviest of hearts, we acknowledge the passing of a true giant of our community, Uncle Bud.
​Uncle Bud was more than an Elder; he was a bridge between the wisdom of the Ancestors and the future of our children. His voice carried the stories of the river and the ridge, and his hands worked tirelessly to see Gumbaynggirr Country healthy, respected, and cared for.
​We offer our deepest condolences and our strength to his family during this time of Sorry Business. We stand with you in your grief, and we celebrate the incredible spirit of a man who gave so much of himself to his people.
​Uncle, your journey back to the Muurrbay tree is one of peace and honor. We promise to keep the fires burning and the stories alive."

Herbert Joseph Marshall
‘Uncle Bud’
Passed away 14th February 2026
Aged 85 years.

Late Of Nambucca Heads. Loved son of Herbert Marshall and Violet Marshall nee Buchanan. Loving brother of Stanley ‘Pompy’, Eileen, Hannah, Martha, Murial, Shirley, Frederick, Amy and John (all previously deceased). Uncle Bud will be greatly missed by all his family and by all that knew him.

For funeral details, please click on the following link:-
https://bernardlaverty.com.au/live-streaming/client/?nid=a059aa62-8f54-4467-8c21-04e4a2f2db7c

** To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, please only use a livestream link provided by a member of the family, or from the Bernard Laverty Funerals Website. If someone you don't know contacts you via social media with a link, this may be a scam **