Inaugural Worimi and Birrpai Youth Gathering heading to Saltwater

THE inaugural Worimi and Birrpai Youth Gathering is being hosted by the Goori-Bugg family later this week at Saltwater, near Old Bar.

Activities will include weaving, grass skirt making, emu egg carving, canoe and gunya building, and a Goori song and dance.

The Youth Gathering builds upon the Inaugural Goori-Bugg Gathering, held in Gloucester in March, and the unveiling of the Bugg Family plaque at Stroud Church during NAIDOC Week.

“The desire to have a stand-alone event that was youth-focused was recognised by the Organising Committee as another positive step,” Uncle John Heath, Birrpai Elder and Bugg Family organiser, said.

“The event enables a celebration of the close traditional and contemporary cultural links between the Birrpai and Worimi Nations.

“It provides a further opportunity to strengthen bonds of kin, culture and country – particularly with a recognition of disruption through colonisation,” he said.

The event is being supported by The Healing Foundation, Create NSW, Saltwater Tribal Council, Maling Productions and a number of Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

The event will also have a specific focus on the impacts of Stolen Generations.

“In the Goori-Bugg Family, this stems from the removal of Maryann and John in 1839,” Uncle John said.

Family organiser Paula Maling said, “The Goori-Bugg Family are honoured to bring our Worimi and Birrpai young people together on Country at Saltwater National Park for a day of learning, pride and connection.”

“Through cultural workshops, our youth not only keep our cultural practices strong — from weaving and carving to song and dance — but also strengthen their identity and belonging.

“This gathering is about passing knowledge the old way, together, on our ancestral land,” she said.

The event is free and will be held on Saturday 1 November from 8am to 4pm at Saltwater Beach in Wallabi Point.

By Joshua GILBERT