Gumbaynggirr Language workshop for educators

Gumbaynggirr Language workshop for educators
Muurrbay Chairperson Micklo Jarrett presents at workshop From "News of the Area" April 7: On Thursday 24 March, education professionals who are committed to the delivery of Gumbaynggirr language in schools attended a workshop in Nambucca Heads to learn more about the Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture program. The Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest was first launched in February 2014 and covers Coffs Harbour, South Grafton, Mack...

Global Voices writes up Gumbaynggirr learning

Rising Voices, a Global Voices project that helps spread citizen media, has reposted the story from First Languages Australia on Muurrbay's efforts towards teaching the Gumbaynggirr language, especially through radio. "People across the region can hear the language, simply by tuning into ABC's Coffs Coast morning radio show. Each Wednesday, Gary Williams, a Gumbaynggirr language teacher at the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative ... te

New book places ancient language firmly in 21st Century

Ute Schulenberg writes in the Guardian News about the book launch of the Gumbaynggirr Dictionary and Learner's Grammar: "After eight years in the making, the second edition of the Gumbaynggirr Dictionary and Learner's Grammar has been launched, much to the satisfaction of all those involved. Researched and written by Steve Morelli with the input of many, this edition builds on the information in its predecessor published in 2008, including new words,...

Federal Court gives title to Gumbaynggirr People of Nambucca

THERE were more smiles than tears after an epic 18-year struggle ended when the Federal Court made an historic sitting in Nambucca Heads on Friday. Settlement of one of New South Wales' longest running native title claims was made when Justice Jayne Jagot formally recognised the Gumbaynggirr People's native title rights in a purpose-built courtroom on the shores of the Nambucca River overlooking the claim area. In another first, the ceremony was pres...

Sharing Bundjalung language through photographs

From the ABC Open website: During NAIDOC week this year, ABC Open Producer Jeff Licence spent a day in Ballina on the NSW North Coast connecting with indigenous language teacher Rick Cook, the Bundjalung language and the local community.  Jeff held an ABC Open Mother Tongue stall, inviting anyone who came along to choose a Bundjalung word, write it on a blackboard with the English translation and pose for a photograph.  Alongside the Photographs, Rick C...

Old language pulses through renewed computers

New language to pulse through old computers after donation  ...or the title could have been ‘Old language pulses through renewed computers’!  Either way, Muurrbay’s partnership with TAFE's North Coast Computer Project  means that we will have some more computers available for the Aboriginal community in the Nambucca Valley. Language trainees at Muurrbay are learning Gumbaynggirr as well as an introduction to computers that will see them stripping down and ...

Culture nest to ensure Gumbaynggirr language isn’t lost

Muurrbay CEO, Gary William has said  that Muurrbay linguists and language teachers will be supporting the establishment of the new language and culture hub in any way we can. The battle to stop traditional Australian languages dying out has received a huge boost with the opening of the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest in Coffs Harbour. Please click here to read the rest of The Coffs Coast Advocate article.

Sharing words and culture

Time for long-term planning is a luxury the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative has never had.  But all that has changed thanks to triennial funding from the Federal Government's Indigenous Languages and Support Program. Please click here to read the full article, by Ute Schulenberg, in the Hibiscus Happynings on 11th December 2013.  Please note the article is in pdf format and will open in a new window.  You may need to downloa...

Garlambirla – a musical with soul

As if being a high-school drama teacher isn't enough work, Margaret Hair somehow found time to write a new musical. Garlambirla, written in consultation with local Gumbaynggirr Elders and community members, tells the Aboriginal creation stories of our region and it's landmarks and will be performed by students of Margaret's school, Coffs Harbour High. Please read the complete article that was in the Coffs Coast Advocate on Saturday October 19th 2013 ...

A film in Gumbaynggirr language

Liz Keen, ABC Open producer, was asked to produce a film in Gumbaynggirr language.  Liz worked with photographer and film maker Maddison Chanel to  produce this Gumbaynggirr language film.  Liz has long respected Muurrbay and was pleased to be given the opportunity to work with them again.  Uncle Gary Williams and Dallas Walker sing the Baabaga Birruganba Bularri song.  The story behind this song was recorded by Uncle Harry Buchanan about how the old...