Published: 26 March 2025

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

Respect is vital in Aboriginal traditions – respect for land, respect for culture, respect for each other. Crossing to neighbouring Country, respect for the custodians of that land is essential. Their blessing would involve a cleansing smoking ceremony and support given until business is finished.

Even tools and weapons are respected. When a person lost their life, their tools and weapons would stay with them forever, not to be touched or taken. This is respect for the time and energy in their making and ownership.

• Lore: buru - kangaroo

There is respect for land and animals. For example, burning Country to make grass for kangaroos so they had their own food. When hunting, respect is given first by singing to the spirit of the kangaroo, appreciating through ceremony the food kangaroo provides.

• Bushfood: galungara – lillypilly tree

Galungara grows beautiful and abundant sweet and sour berries. There are several types, all are tasty.

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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