“GIINAGAY”

CONSCIOUS JOURNEYS AND CARING FOR COUNTRY

‘Country’ is the place where knowledge comes from and is taught, thus caring for country is an investment in knowledge and cultural exchange.

We need the tonic of lands and seas, and as much as we are earnest to explore and learn, we also require that the land remains mysterious and untouched, that the land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed for us. 

We can never have enough of nature.

As First Nations people, undisturbed land is a central part of the connection to country and to our identity as people. Many of our significant sites, landscapes, customs and stories focus on connection to land. We are all visitors to this time, and this place. We are all just passing through, inheriting from the ancestors and gifting to our children. Our purpose while we are here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… 

The Yaegl People are the traditional custodians of the coastal areas around Yamba, Iluka and Maclean. Yaegl country is a plentiful place; abundance springs from its ocean and rivers, the land’s richness meant the Yaegl people were less nomadic then surrounding groups, moving infrequently between a few main camps.

In 1945 Rocky and Bella Laurie permanently moved their family off the river island of Ulgundahi to Reedy Creek (near the current Blue Dolphin resort) and then into Yamba (setting up camp at current Story Park) where their community continued to grow. In the 1950s those families were forced to move to Angourie Road (now occupied by the Raymond Laurie Sports Centre). In 1966 the community moved again to Pippi Beach Reserve, now known as Ngaru Village; however, many of the local families now live and work among the non-Aboriginal community in Yamba.

I am the Great Great Grandaughter of Rocky and Bella Laurie. My Great Grandmother was the eldest daughter of Rocky and Bella, Margaret Laurie.

You are welcome here, please help us to care for country by taking only pictures and leaving only footprints and enjoying your visit to our paradise

Leeanne Eamens  - 

Yaegl Traditional Owner

Cultural Heritage Officer Clarence Valley Council

Founder Mindall & Bungall Designs

Photography: Minya Rose