HAPPENINGS ON GUNGGARI COUNTRY
Yowalla
It’s been a while since the last newsletter from GNTAC, but that doesn’t mean that nothing’s been happening!
We’ve had our challenges with COVID 19 and the weather affecting the rollout on some projects, but all in all there’s quite a bit to talk about.
Here’s just a couple of them. More to come in later newsletters this year.
In this issue:
- Return of artefacts to the Gunggari People
- New shed at the Yumba
- Become a member
- Donate to GNTAC
Return of Artefacts to the Gunggari People
Last year, GNTAC was contacted by a family who had previously owned a property near Morven, to the west of Mitchell. The family owned the property for a generation and over time collected a number of stone artefacts they had found while working on the property. When they sold the property and moved to the coast, they took the artefacts with them.
After many years, they decided to let go of the artefacts, and rather than donate them to the local museum, they decided to contact GNTAC and arrange for them to be returned to their rightful owners.
”“We’ve had these in our family for a long time, and we just wanted to make sure they were returned to the right people…”
Family member
Representatives from Gunggari met with the family near Morven, where a handover took place at the side of Angellala Creek to the north.
The artefacts are excellent examples of the variety of implements used by our Ancestors in daily and ceremonial life.
They’re currently being held at the GNTAC office in Mitchell, so next time you’re out for a visit or travelling through, ask to see them!
Here are just some examples of what’s been returned to us.
Check out the new shed at the Yumba!
Well, it’s not really new, it’s the old one done up, but what a difference! The local CDP program in Mitchell, run by RESQ, was looking for a project for their participants to work on. After tossing around a few ideas, it was decided to turn what was a dark, uninviting storage shed into a bright, light-filled space for art projects, workshops and meetings. It even has air-conditioning.
There’s more work to be done on it yet, with outdoor areas, plants and a veranda planned for later in the year. GNTAC thanks RESQ for their care, full consultation and attention to detail during the renovation. The new shed provides a welcome facility for future meetings, workshops and community events. Thank you to Bevan from RESQ, who did most of the work.
DONATE TO GNTAC!
Did you know that GNTAC is a not-for-profit organisation and is also a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)? This means that you can make tax-deductible donations to your own mob’s organisation. For more information, call the office on 0439 204 986 or write to secretary@gunggaripbc.com.au
BECOME A MEMBER OF GNTAC
It’s easy—just go to https://www.gunggaripbc.com.au/membership/ and fill in the details. You’ll need to be a person of Gunggari descent and at least 18 years old to be approved as member. Membership gives you a vote and a say at the Annual General Meetings and even become a GNTAC Board Director.
