Published: 25 July 2024

This regular column, that features in Council's quarterly print newsletter, introduces dhurga words and meanings, with help from our Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Historical and current customs, values and codes of behaviour are governed by cultural lore. Of course, lore is present in all cultures, a major influence on how people interact that encourages appropriate and respectful behaviour. Traditionally, Aboriginal lore is passed down verbally through story, song, dance and the land itself.

• Land minga bagan – Mother Earth

In yuin culture there was never ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’, only ‘safe journey’. The word walawaani is used to welcome people on to Country and farewell them from it. Land (more currently - Mother Earth) gives us everything we need. Providing shelter, food, warmth, and tools while never expecting anything in return. A lot of traditional Aboriginal teaching comes from Mother Earth; this is called the language of the land. She teaches caring for self, living in a functioning society, what foods to eat and when to eat them. In yuin culture, country is family and church, a sacred place, centred strongly within culture.

• Bushfood wadhan – native grass

Many native grasses were used to make bread, including kangaroo grass and spear grass – both are full of nutrients. Their big root systems also nourish and benefit the land in many ways.

Eurobodalla Libraries and local bookshops have copies of The Dhurga Dictionary and Learner’s Grammar, authored by locals Trish Ellis, Kerry Boyenga and Waine Donovan.

• This story was first published in Council’s quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla. A printed edition is delivered to the shire’s 26,000 households.

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