Bundjalung language communities will benefit from increased funding from the Indigenous Language Support Program via its New Media funding.  This will allow Muurrbay to engage I.T expert Cat Kutay to digitise language materials such as dictionaries, learning resources and audio materials.  Cat recently met with Muurrbay’s new consultant linguist April Miss-Thom, CEO Gary Williams, Gumbaynggirr Language Researcher Dallas Walker and Regionalco-ordinator Anna Ash, … Read More

Muurrbay Chairperson Shaa Smith introduced Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr and Djawundil Maymuru, two Yolngu ladies to Muurrbay. They had attended the recent Bellingen Writers festival to launch their book “Welcome to My Country.They sat in on a language class and there was a wonderful exchange of stories, songs, and support.  They were interested to learn more about language revitalisation in NSW and they … Read More

Linguist Harold Koch and Native Title Researcher Grace Koch recently visited Muurrbay following the Native Title Conference in Coffs Harbour. Harold has been a great supporter of Muurrbay over the years, in particular by reading early drafts of  Amanda Lissarrague’s Gathang  and Hunter River- Lake Macquarie dictionary-grammars, as well as having valuable input in the Handbook of Aboriginal Languages of … Read More

COFFS COAST ADVOCATE BELLINGEN ARTIST TYRONE SHEATHER’S PASSION FOR STORYTELLING WAS CELEBRATED WHEN HE RECEIVED THE DREAMING AWARD AT THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL’S NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ARTS AWARDS. Tyrone received the $20,000 prize to go toward the creation of a major piece of work.  The 23-year-old works in a variety of media and is best known locally for his films featuring Gumbaynggirr … Read More

LEGENDARY PACIFIC COAST – COFFS COAST On Saturday 24th May 2014, Sydney Weekender presenter Mel Symons visited the Coffs Coast showcasing the Legendary Pacific Coast.  One of the places visited was the beautiful Galnyamba Friday Creek Retreat.  Here you can learn about Aboriginal culture with Uncle Martin Ballangarry and Aunty Shaa Smith.  To watch the full video clip from the show, please click here to visit … Read More

The 2014 Annual National Native Title Conference, was held on the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people.  This year’s title was ‘Living with Native Title, from the Bush to the Sea’ and the venue was Novotel Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour.  For further information about the gathering, please click here to visit the official website.

The 2014 AIATSIS National Indigenous Studies Conference was held from Wednesday 26th to Friday 28th March at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.  It was a celebration of 50 years since the legislated establishment of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, now AIATSIS, along with the 50 year anniversary of leadership and excellence in Indigenous studies by AIATSIS. Gary Williams, Dallas Walker … Read More

Aboriginal languages are increasingly being used in many social domains: this beautiful sculpture by Brentyn Lugnan is on display in the main shopping centre in Coffs Harbour. Please click here to read the Dolphin sculptures making a splash of colour article in the Coffs Coast Advocate article written 1st July 2013.

Eight young people have started an eight week language traineeship at Muurrbay.  They will build on their knowledge of Gumbaynggirr language and stories and learn about many aspects of language revitalisation such as developing children’s stories and documenting via film and sound recordings.  Liz Keen for ABC Open will be leading the film workshops and Gumbaynggirr language teacher and researchers … Read More

Muurrbay went along to the inaugural Boomerang Festival at Tyagarah Farm near Byron Bay, on Bundjalung country.  The festival was held from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October 2013 and we were treated to an amazing range of talented Aboriginal performers, as well as thought provoking discussions, plays and films.  Muurrbay had a language stall, and in between shows many … Read More