Staff and consultants

Muurrbay staff are often based in the Nambucca Heads office, but due to the extensive region we cover, we are often based on country. Currently staff are on Gumbaynggirr, Wonnarua, Worimi and Bundjalung countries. Also, since 2020 we may be working from home and video conferencing in order to keep supporting community-based language work and classes.

Gary Williams

Gary Williams arms crossed smiling

CEO Gary Williams has travelled throughout the region advising on regional language projects, particularly Bundjalung. He now supports the Gumbaynggirr language courses and recently he translated the dialogue of the Cleverman series into Gumbaynggirr.

Gary was a key member of the team whose in-depth research led to the publishing of the Gumbaynggirr Dictionary-Grammar and the Collected Stories.

When Muurrbay expanded into a Regional Language Centre in 2004, Gary stepped up to become a regional language researcher, supporting the revival of seven languages, including Bundjalung, his father’s language. Gary’s language and cultural knowledge and his deep understanding of linguistics saw him become a crucial element in Muurrbay’s support of NSW coastal languages. Gary can be reached at CEO@muurrbay.org.au


Brother Steve Morelli (Gugs)

Brother Steve (Gugs) worked with a group of Elders including Aunty Maggie Morris to form the Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Group in 1986 in Sherwood; this group grew into Muurrbay. Gugs’ voluntary work has included compiling the Gumbaynggirr and Yaygirr dictionary-grammars and working with Gary Williams and Dallas Walker on the Collected Stories. He has developed and taught many Gumbaynggirr Language courses over the years and is now on the teaching team for the Cert III in Gumbaynggirr language. He produces teaching resources and works with Muurrbay on developing new words and expressions in Gumbaynggirr. 

Gugs has a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Graduate Diplomas in Linguistics and Counselling. In 1996 his valuable work was recognised with the Aboriginal Education Award of Excellence from the Department of School Education, Aboriginal Education Unit.In 2019 Gugs was awarded the Patji-Dawes Language Teaching Award from the ARC Centre for the Dynamics of Language for outstanding achievements as a teacher and linguist collaborating with Indigenous communities on the New South Wales mid-north coast for over 30 years, working to revive and teach the Gumbaynggirr language.

“He has really understood from the start that our language and culture are completely intertwined. Developing the language to accommodate the needs of contemporary speakers was only possible because Brother Steve has always worked with us as part of a team, together adapting the language in ways that made sense culturally.”

Gary Williams, in nominating Brother Steve for the Teaching Award

In 2021 Gugs was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the Indigenous Community of Mid-North-Coast NSW. Gugs said he felt greatly honoured to receive the award, but the honour was one he shared with the local Aboriginal Elders and Community, who had shown great pride and ownership over their heritage. Gugs can be reached via admin@muurrbay.org.au


Michael (Micklo) Jarrett

Micklo is Chairperson on the Muurrbay Board and whilst no longer working in the Muurrbay office, he teaches Gumbaynggirr Language in the community and in many of the Muurrbay courses, including the current online class via Zoom. He is a qualified Early Childhood teacher, completed the Cert II and IV in Gumbaynggirr and completed a Masters in Indigenous Languages Education.

When Muurrbay expanded to become a regional language centre, Micklo, along with Gary Williams, was a researcher supporting the regional languages, sharing his passion for Aboriginal language and culture revitalisation and his ability to make language learning fun and engaging. He has taught Gumbaynggirr in pre-schools, schools and at Muurrbay and TAFEs. Since 2014 Micklo has been Head Aboriginal Language and Culture Trainer for the Gumbaynggirr Language Nest, managed by the NSW Department of Education and is currently Senior Education Officer for Aboriginal Languages. He can be reached at michael.jarrett@det.nsw.edu.au


Julie Long

Julie Long

Julie is Linguist-Regional Coordinator, responsible for overseeing the seven coastal Aboriginal languages Muurrbay supports. Julie’s focus has been on providing Linguistic advice for Communities as well as developing and teaching Language Courses and IT support.

Julie developed course materials for the Gathang Cert I Course and the Gathang Cert III Learning an Endangered Language Course and delivered the Certificate III twice, in Taree and Port Macquarie/Karuah and online due to Covid. Julie has also supported the Cert III in Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Maintenance, teaching the Education units and ASQA compliance for Registered Training Organisations. Previous roles include desktop publishing and editing for the Gumbaynggirr, Darkinyung and Yaygirr dictionary-grammars.

In the past Julie worked alongside Michael Jarrett at St. Mary’s Bowraville on a K-6 program and wrote the Barriyala – Let’s Work student workbooks for the Gumbaynggirr language. She has a BA in Linguistics and Certificate IV in TAE and previously taught foreign languages in primary schools. She can be reached at julie.long@muurrbay.org.au


Sharon Edgar-Jones

Sharon was engaged by Muurrbay as a Language Consultant to support the Southern Languages in 2018, she identifies as Wonnaruah and Guringay. She was inspired by her Elders, and her mother in particular to revive her Language. In 2019 she completed the Wanarruwa Beginner’s Guide, with Albert Burgman and in 2021 is working on HRLM dictionary. She has been working with Elders to teach Wannaruwa in a community group and is conducting research on the Language.

Following a Cert I and II in Aboriginal languages, Sharon has attended professional development language workshops with Muurrbay and RNLD, now Living Languages.  She has completed a Diploma in Indigenous Language work at Charles Darwin University. Sharon can be reached at sharon.edgarjones@muurrbay.org.au .


Danica Burridge

Danica is a Project Manager at Muurrbay Language Co-operative, where she plays a role in helping to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of the initiatives of Muurrbay.

In her current role, Danica is responsible for developing and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope. She works closely with language experts, educators, and community members to implement effective strategies for language learning and cultural preservation.


Elijah Edwards

Elijah is a Gumbaynggirr man living and working on Gumbaynggirr Country and is a dedicated and skilled Gumbaynggirr Language Worker at Muurrbay, working very closely with Giiguy Gamambi preschool where he teaches language to students and staff.

When he is not teaching language, Elijah enjoys spending time with family, playing footy and hitting the gym, swimming, and music.

 As a Language Worker, Elijah uses an immersive, hands-on approach to language instruction, incorporating storytelling, song, and other culturally significant practices to help learners connect with the language in meaningful ways. Elijah also ensures Muurrbay runs smoothly, taking care of, whenever needed, the daily duties in the office.  


Kelli-Ann Ridgeway-Atkinson

Kelli-Ann is an experienced Administration Officer at Muurrbay Language Co-operative, where she supports the day-to-day operations and ensures the efficient management of administrative, finance and accounting functions.

With a background in office management and organisational support, Kelli-Ann, plays a key role in coordinating projects, maintaining records, and assisting with the smooth delivery of programs aimed at preserving and revitalising Aboriginal languages and ensuring Muurrbay is running effectively. Kelli-Ann is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and positive environment within the team, contributing to the success of Muurrbay’s mission to empower Indigenous communities through language and culture.


Kate Jarrett

Kate is a Gumbaynggirr woman living on Gumbaynggirr Country. Kate is an integral part of the team at Muurrbay Language Co-operative, where she is a friendly and professional Administration Officer, providing exceptional customer service and support to both visitors and staff. With a warm and welcoming demeanour, Kate is often the first point of contact for those reaching out to the Co-operative, ensuring that all inquiries are handled with care and efficiency.

When Kate isn’t at Muurrbay she is spending quality time with her daughter, swimming, spending time with family, and enjoying BBQ’s.

She plays a key role in assisting with the daily operations of the office, managing communication channels, and facilitating the smooth running of activities. Her organizational skills and attention to detail make them a reliable resource for both internal and external stakeholders.


Nell Higgins

Nell is a dedicated member of the Muurrbay team and currently holds the position of the Course Coordinator of Muurrbay’s Gathang Language Certificate III. Nell has an impressive resume, including having had volunteered in a bilingual school in Yirrkala, Arnhem Land and interned at Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre and AIATSIS.

In 2022 Nell graduated from Macquarie University with a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts (Psychology) and Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences.

Nell’s work ensures that Muurrbay is thriving in delivering courses for Aboriginal people throughout NSW. Nell’s work also consists of assisting in the efficient running of Muurrbay’s day-to-day activities in order for Muurrbay to meet requirements within the community, with stakeholders or with the accreditation of the courses that Muurrbay offers.

When Nell isn’t at Muurrbay, she enjoys reading in her down time, as well as hiking and bushwalking.


Birrugan

Birrugan is a Goori from the North Coast, who currently works across Gumbaynggirr country. He is currently a language teacher at Muurrbay Language and Culture Co-operative. He has previously worked in various local community preschools and primary schools, including the Gumbaynggirr Freedom School.

Birrugan has previously worked in a wide variety of sectors across community organisations, government agencies such as the Aboriginal Languages Trust and a background in the creative industries.

Birrugan’s main concern is the gap in language and cultural transmission. Birrugan is passionate about developing and adapting the frameworks and infrastructure for future generations. He is involved in writing and the translation of numerous stories, songs and intellectual concepts into Gumbaynggirr.


Rina O’Connor

Rina

Rina is the Human Resources and Financial manager at Muurrbay Aboriginal Language Co-operative. Rina is an CPA, with extensive experience in accounting and financial management having worked in Public Accounting, Mining and for the last 10 year in the Not-For-Profit sector. Having worked at management level for the last 10 years, Rina has developed significant on the job experience in human resources and leadership. Rina plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient operation of the organisation.

Rina is responsible for overseeing HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management, with a particular focus on mentoring and staff development, while also managing financial operations, budgeting, and compliance. Rina is committed to supporting Muurrbay’s mission to revitalise and preserve Aboriginal languages through strong operational and financial stewardship, and through mentoring and developing the next generation of employees committed to the same.


Albert Burgman

Albert is consultant linguist with Muurrbay. His most recent work has been to support Wanarruwa language projects. In 2020 he co-authored  the Wanarruwa Beginner’s Guide with Wonnarua linguist, Sharon Edgar-Jones. In 2021 he co-produced with Sharon Edgar-Jones and James Wafer the computer based Hunter River, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Lexique Pro Dictionary to support the Wanarruwa language revival.

His heritage is Dutch and Irish. Born and raised in Wagga Wagga, NSW, he is a long term resident of the Central coast. Albert has nearly 40 years of experience working with Aboriginal people on their languages, mainly with language centres and in educational contexts. A qualified linguist and primary school teacher, he has taught in primary schools, juvenile justice, TAFE and university. For many years he has also been consultant linguist for Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre in South Hedland, WA, developing language databases, dictionaries in hard copy and computer based formats, and sketch grammars for languages of the Pilbara region.