Sharing Knowledge

Interpreting and understanding Aboriginal belief systems and the unique perspective of belonging to ‘Country’ requires careful consideration and explanation. A respectful approach is to ask the people who know, the people who have always lived here.

This is the process that was followed in developing the content for the interpretive signage on the East Ballina Aboriginal Place section of the Coastal Recreational Path. There are many layers of meaning connecting Aboriginal people to the land.

Some are ancient links relating back to the time of the Dreaming, explaining the creation of the landscape and how people were taught to care for their Country.

Others are modern connections and memories, with some formed in the tragedies that served to drive people off their traditional lands.

Aboriginal people decided on the information that has been shared and the manner in which this could be communicated. This is reflected in the diversity of material provided here, which helps give some insight into the cultural significance and meanings associated with the landscapes traversed by this path.

“Sharing the stories and history told by the local Elders and Aboriginal community will give the broader community, young and old, a better understanding of the culture around the Ballina Shire for many future generations.”

Aunty Delia Rhodes 2015

Top image: The artist Leanne Anderson describes this work as depicting “travelling to different campsites up and down the coast.”